Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sparked controversy after his remarks on Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye over claims about a possible one-party state in Nigeria.
Wike said he would have “shot” the journalist while reacting to a political discussion aired on Politics Today.
The comment has since drawn strong reactions from both sides.
Debate over one-party concerns
The issue started during Thursday’s broadcast of Politics Today, where Okinbaloye warned about the impact of weakening opposition parties.
He said a healthy democracy depends on competition.
“I am particularly pained because what makes the race (elections) very interesting is when it is competitive, not when only one party stands in the middle of the ballot,” he said.
He also warned that the situation could harm democracy if it continues.
“If this hope is dashed, we are doomed democratically,” he added.
Wike’s reaction
Reacting on Friday in Abuja, Wike criticised the anchor for expressing his view during the programme.
“I was surprised yesterday; totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun Okinbaloye, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” he said.
He insisted journalists should remain neutral when moderating discussions.
“You are an interviewer; you are now telling them your own views… which means you have already taken a position.”
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Clarification and backlash
Wike later said the statement was made out of anger and was not meant as a literal threat.
His aide, Lere Olayinka, also described the remark as “hyperbolic” and said there was no intent of harm.
However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the comment, calling it “reckless and violent,” and warning it could encourage attacks on journalists.
Okinbaloye responds
On Sunday, Okinbaloye said he would not be intimidated and restated his concerns about Nigeria’s democracy.
“The fact remains that our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting,” he said.
He added that he had spoken with the minister, who clarified his position.
However, he stressed that such language has no place in public discourse.
“Let me be clear: I am not afraid and I will never be intimidated,” he said.
Okinbaloye added that he would continue his work without fear.
“I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions and holding power to account,” he said.