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“I would have shot him” Wike Blasts Channels TV Anchor Seun Okinbaloye Over One Party State Remark
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticised Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter on Channels Television, over remarks made during a live broadcast concerning Nigeria’s political landscape.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed anger over comments made by Okinbaloye during the programme Politics Today, where the journalist raised concerns about the potential consequences of a one-party system on Nigeria’s democracy.
During the broadcast, Okinbaloye had emphasised the importance of political competition, warning that the weakening of opposition parties—particularly amid the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—could negatively impact democratic stability.
“What makes the race very interesting is when it is competitive… If this hope is dashed, we are doomed democratically,” Okinbaloye said.
Wike’s Reaction
Responding to the comments, Wike said he was “thoroughly surprised” by the presenter’s stance, arguing that journalists should maintain neutrality during interviews.
“If there is any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike said, before clarifying, “I am not saying I will kill him. I am just angered that he made that kind of statement on a national television.”
The minister maintained that while it is appropriate for journalists to ask probing questions, expressing personal opinions—especially on sensitive political matters—was unprofessional.
“You are now telling them your own view… as an interviewer, that you can’t allow a one-party state. That is not right,” he added.
ADC Crisis and Political Tensions
The controversy comes amid ongoing disputes within the ADC following developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recently took a position on a Court of Appeal judgment affecting the party’s leadership structure.
The situation has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some Nigerians have defended INEC’s actions as lawful, others have accused the electoral body of enabling a perceived drift toward a one-party system under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Despite the controversy, the ADC has indicated plans to proceed with its scheduled congresses, a move the presidency has reportedly described as “lawless,” warning of possible consequences.
Broader Debate on Media Role
Wike’s comments have further fueled debate over the role of journalists in political discourse, particularly regarding whether media practitioners should strictly moderate discussions or also express concerns about democratic developments.
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