Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ignited widespread controversy following his remarks suggesting he would have “shot” Channels TV journalist Seun Okinbaloye. The incident occurred on Friday during a media interaction in Abuja, broadcast live, where Wike reacted strongly to Okinbaloye's suggestion that President Bola Tinubu and the APC might be plotting to create a one-party state in Nigeria.

Okinbaloye's initial comments, made on Channels TV’s 'Politics Today' on Thursday, expressed concern over the implications of Nigeria transitioning into a one-party system. He highlighted the importance of competitive elections for a healthy democracy, especially after the controversial de-recognition of the David Mark-led national executive of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The journalist stated, “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 added, referencing the ADC as a potential opposition hope for 2027, that “If this hope is dashed, we are doomed democratically.”

Reacting to these statements, Mr. Wike expressed his fury, saying, “I was surprised yesterday (Thursday); 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 criticized Okinbaloye for allegedly taking a personal position on the one-party state issue and the ADC leadership crisis, arguing that a journalist, as an interviewer, should not present personal views as it constitutes unprofessional conduct and implies a biased stance.

Despite the initial strong language, Wike later clarified that he had no intention to physically harm Okinbaloye, attributing his expression to anger over the journalist’s perceived unprofessional conduct.

The FCT minister's remarks drew immediate and severe condemnation. Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement released on Saturday, described Wike’s comments as “reckless and violent.” The human rights organization emphasized that such statements from a federal cabinet member violate Nigeria’s broadcasting code and carry the danger of normalizing violence against journalists for simply performing their duties. Amnesty International demanded an immediate withdrawal of the statement and an apology, urging Nigerian authorities to cease condoning such actions from those in power.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the threat, labeling it “disgraceful and dangerous.” Through his media office, Atiku stated that Wike’s public declaration was