Okinbaloye reacts to Wike shooting comment, Abuja, Nigeria — A senior journalist at Channels Television, Seun Okinbaloye, has said he is not intimidated following comments by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who said he “would have shot” the journalist during a live media interaction.

The controversy began after a recent edition of Politics Today, in which Okinbaloye raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections. He highlighted the potential dangers of a dominant ruling party and called for competitive politics to strengthen democratic governance.

Following the broadcast, Wike addressed the programme during a media chat in Abuja, saying:

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

The comment prompted immediate criticism from media organisations, civil society groups, and the public. Many described it as a dangerous precedent for political leaders in a democracy.

‘I’m Not Afraid’: Channels Television’s Okinbaloye reacts to Wike’s ‘I-would-have-shot-him’ comment during live media chat.#CTVTweets#SundayPolitics pic.twitter.com/AGC0kvKOD7

— Channels Television (@channelstv) April 5, 2026

Okinbaloye reacts to Wike shooting comment: Okinbaloye’s Response

Okinbaloye responded on Sunday during a Channels TV broadcast, saying:

“Let me be clear: I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated.”

“Journalism remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”

He thanked viewers, civil society groups, and international supporters for their solidarity. The journalist added that threats, even verbal, could weaken democratic principles if left unchecked.

“Our democracy is in danger if we allow threats or intimidation against those who speak the truth,” Okinbaloye said.

Okinbaloye reacts to Wike shooting comment: Backlash and Reactions

Civil society and press freedom organisations condemned Wike’s remarks. A coalition of 14 groups described the comment as “reckless and violent”, urging the minister to apologise and retract the statement. Amnesty International also called on Wike to withdraw the remark, warning that such statements could encourage attacks on journalists.

Political figures have also weighed in. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the comment, saying it undermined press freedom and public accountability. ADC spokespersons emphasised that political leaders should be held to standards that protect journalists from intimidation.

Wike’s Clarification

Wike’s office later sought to clarify the situation. The FCT minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications said the remark was hyperbolic, meant to express frustration rather than serve as a literal threat. The aide added that Wike and Okinbaloye had since spoken by phone to address the misunderstanding.

Despite the clarification, media analysts say the episode underscores continuing tensions between political leaders and journalists in Nigeria. They note that remarks suggesting violence, even figuratively, can create a climate of fear that threatens independent reporting.

Commitment to Journalism

Okinbaloye concluded by reaffirming his commitment to journalism:

“I will continue to hold power to account. Fear has no place in responsible journalism.”

The incident has sparked debate nationwide, highlighting the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the conduct of public officials in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.