The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is currently facing widespread condemnation from media organizations and civil society groups following a controversial remark directed at Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye. The incident occurred during a media parley on April 3, where Wike reacted strongly to Okinbaloye’s comments on the importance of political competition and the potential for Nigeria to drift towards a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike, expressing shock at the journalist's remarks, stated, “if there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) swiftly condemned the remark as inappropriate and a potential act of intimidation against media professionals. IBAN demanded that Wike retract his statement and issue a public apology to Okinbaloye and the entire media community, urging him to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in line with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. The association warned of a coordinated boycott of Wike’s press briefings and media engagements by independent broadcasters nationwide if he fails to comply, emphasizing that violent rhetoric must not be tolerated from public officials.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed profound shock and outrage, describing Wike’s statement as