Journalist Rejects Minister's Threat Over One-Party State Remarks
Channels TV anchor Seun Okinbaloye declared he will not be intimidated by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike's violent rhetoric during a press briefing on Friday (April 3, 2026). Wike stated he would have "shot" Okinbaloye for suggesting on Thursday's Politics Today that President Bola Tinubu and the APC are plotting to create a one-party state. Responding on Sunday (April 5) while anchoring Sunday Politics, Okinbaloye reaffirmed, "I'm not afraid, and I will never be intimidated," emphasizing journalism's duty to the public over power. He confirmed receiving safety assurances from the State Security Service and noted Wike later contacted him to clarify, while stressing that violent rhetoric is never appropriate in a democratic society. Okinbaloye repeated his concern that silencing opposition undermines democracy, stating, "Our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting," and vowed to continue holding power to account. The dispute stemmed from Okinbaloye's commentary on the controversial de-recognition of the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) national executive, where he warned that dashing opposition hopes for 2027 would doom democracy. Organizations including Amnesty International Nigeria have condemned Wike's remarks and called for an apology.