The host of Channels TV prime network programme ‘Politics Today’, Seun Okinbaloye has replied to the controversial remarks of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, saying that he won’t be intimidated.
Wike had last Friday April 3, 2026 in his monthly media chat, said, in response to a question that if it were possible, he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” the journalist over comments suggesting that a one-party system could threaten democracy in Nigeria.
The statement has illicited widespread reactions, including from Amnesty International in Nigeria and others, describing the remark as “reckless and irresponsible.”
Responding last Sunday, Okinbaloye reaffirmed his stance and emphasised that such rhetoric has no place in a democratic society. “The fact remains that our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting.
“This is not a warning to the opposition or ruling party. But to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation,” he said.
He added that Wike had reached out to him directly following the backlash. “I received a call from the honourable minister, who clarified the intention was not as conveyed. While that is noted, it is important that violent rhetoric or threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society.”
The Channels TV Anchorman maintained that he would not be intimidated. “Let me be clear: I am not afraid and I will never be intimidated,” he said. “We may disagree and as humans we may err, but dissent must never descend into hostility or harm.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract the controversial remark and issue a public apology, warning of a possible boycott of his media engagements if he fails to comply.
The demand follows Wike’s comment during a media parley on April 3, where he reacted to remarks by Journalist Seun Okinbaloye on the programme Politics Today.
Okinbaloye had stressed the importance of political competition ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that the absence of viable opposition could harm Nigeria’s democracy.
Responding, Wike said he was shocked by the comments, adding that if there was any way to break the screen, he would have done so to shoot him.
In the statement signed by Dr Ahmed Tijani Ramalan, IBAN chairman and Fidelis Duker, acting General Secretary described the remark as inappropriate and capable of being interpreted as intimidation against media professionals.
The association noted that although the minister later clarified that he never meant physical harm, such statements from public officials could normalise hostility toward journalists.
The group urged Wike to apologise to Okinbaloye and the media community and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom.
It warned that failure to do so could lead to a coordinated boycott of his press briefings and media engagements by independent broadcasters nationwide, stressing that violent rhetoric must not be tolerated.
However, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka had earlier issued a statement indicating that the Minister’s remarks were figurative and never meant any harm.
But, it had refused to sell.
