NBC warns Nigerian broadcasters against bias and hate speech ahead of the 2027 elections, citing rising code violations.
Nigeria’s broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has cautioned media houses over increasing violations in political and news programming as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on April 17, 2026, the commission expressed concern about what it described as a growing trend of ethical breaches, particularly the failure of presenters to maintain neutrality and the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors to spread inflammatory content.
According to the NBC, such practices undermine professional standards and could heighten tensions in an already sensitive political climate.
The commission specifically referenced provisions in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, including Section 1.10.3, which prohibits broadcasters from injecting personal opinions into news presentation. It stressed that violations of this nature are classified as “Class B” offences and are subject to sanctions.
The warning has sparked mixed reactions within the media and public space. Prominent journalist Oseni Rufai criticized the move, alleging selective enforcement of regulations and raising concerns about potential threats to press freedom. On the other hand, several industry stakeholders have welcomed the directive, viewing it as a necessary step to uphold professionalism and ensure responsible journalism ahead of the elections.
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As political activities gradually intensify, the NBC’s intervention underscores the delicate balance between maintaining editorial independence and enforcing ethical standards in Nigeria’s media landscape.
