Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as growing attempts to restrict press freedom in Nigeria.
Obi made his position known in a post shared on his official X page on Tuesday, where he reacted to a recent notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
According to him, the development raises broader questions about the state of democratic institutions in the country, particularly the role of regulatory bodies in relation to the media.
He emphasised that a free and responsible press should not be seen as an adversary, but rather as a critical pillar in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
“The media is the conscience of the nation,” he said, warning that any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation could weaken democratic structures.
Obi further noted that institutions are designed to serve the people, not to function as tools of control, adding that actions perceived as limiting freedom of expression could erode public trust.
He also pointed to ongoing national challenges, including insecurity, economic difficulties, and rising public frustration, arguing that these issues deserve greater attention than efforts to regulate or control narratives.
In conclusion, Obi stressed the need for stronger institutions rather than tighter restrictions, while expressing solidarity with media organisations and broadcasters operating in the country.
