Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the recent advisory issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as an attempt to stifle free expression and silence dissent within the media space.

The NBC had, on Saturday, cautioned broadcast presenters against presenting opinions as facts or intimidating guests during programmes.

The commission also warned that as Nigeria approaches a critical electoral period, the airwaves must not be used to spread misinformation.

Reacting in a post on X later that night, Atiku described the directive as “yet another troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in Nigeria.”

He noted that Nigeria’s media industry has evolved into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism.

According to him, it is “alarming” that the NBC often resorts to what he termed “heavy-handed directives” whenever elections draw near.