Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said the recent notice by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), especially at this critical time of the general elections, is very troubling.

The NBC had issued the notice to broadcast stations following a sustained rise in ethical and professional breaches, particularly in news, current affairs, and political programming.

Reacting, Obi lamented that when the nation should be strengthening its vital democratic institutions, “we are witnessing a pattern that shows the opposite.”

He stated that a free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration, especially one that claims to have fought for democracy. He stated that attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy.

“Institutions are not built to serve governments; they are built to serve the people.

“At a time when insecurity is on the rise, young Nigerians are losing faith in the country, and the economy continues to fail the average citizen. Our focus should not be on controlling media narratives, but on delivering results,” he said.

Obi then pointed out that Nigeria does not need stronger control but stronger institutions. He expressed solidarity with Nigeria’s media houses and broadcasters who are standing against “this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression.

“We must return to the path of transparency, accountability, and true independence of all arms and agencies of government. We cannot continue to endanger our democracy.”