Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to suppress press freedom, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.
Obi made the allegation in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, titled “Yesterday’s Advocates of Democracy, Today’s Oppressor of the Press,” where he criticised the recent notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing it as a troubling sign of growing media repression ahead of the general elections.
“Nigeria is drifting dangerously,” Obi said.
“At a time when our nation should be strengthening its vital democratic institutions, we are witnessing a pattern that shows the opposite. The recent notice by the National Broadcasting Commission, especially at this critical time of the general elections, is very troubling.”
He said a free and responsible media should never be seen as an enemy by any government, particularly one that once positioned itself as a defender of democracy.
“A free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration, especially one that claims to have fought for democracy. The media is the conscience of the nation,” he stated.
According to Obi, any move to stifle voices, regulate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens Nigeria’s already fragile democratic system.
“Attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that institutions should serve the people and not be turned into instruments of political control.
“Institutions are not built to serve governments; they are built to serve the people,” he added.
He further argued that with worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and growing frustration among young Nigerians, the government should be focused on solving real problems instead of controlling public narratives.
“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,” Obi said.
He declared support for media organisations and broadcasters resisting what he described as attempts to silence independent voices and restrict free expression.
“Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions. I stand in solidarity with Nigeria’s media houses and broadcasters who are standing against this attempt to silence independent voices and restrict free expression,” he stated.
Calling for a return to transparency and accountability, Obi urged the government to respect institutional independence and stop actions capable of endangering democracy.
“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,” he said.
He ended the statement with his signature political message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
