Media Groups, CSOs Demand Wike To Apologise Over Threat To Shoot Seun Okinbaloye

Wike to apologise. A network of press freedom and civil society organisations has condemned recent remarks by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), directed at Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.

Wike, during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, threatened to shoot Okinbaloye over the journalist’s comments on the possibility of Nigeria becoming a one-party state.

Speaking on his programme, Okinbaloye had said it was disappointing that the 2027 elections were shaping up as a contest dominated by one political party, citing the crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He said that Nigeria is “doomed democratically” if the only viable opposition — ADC — is unable to contest the 2027 elections.

Reacting to Okinbaloye, Wike had said: “I was surprised yesterday, thoroughly surprised. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

In a statement signed by 14 organisations, the network demanded that Wike retract his remarks, apologise to Okinbaloye and the media community, and “reaffirm a clear commitment to non-violence and the defence of press freedom as a public official on oath to abide with the constitution”.

They said that while the minister later clarified that he did not intend to physically harm the journalist, “even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless”.

“Even if meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation by both the journalist and the audience,” the statement reads.

“We assert that conditional threats or violent statements against journalists contribute to a climate of fear, undermining the fundamental principles of a free and independent press, especially as journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding power to account.”

The CSOs and press freedom groups warned that threats or violent language, whether direct or indirect, put journalists at risk and weaken public trust in democracy.

“With a press freedom index ranking of 122 out of 180 countries, Nigeria remains one of West Africa’s most dangerous and challenging countries for journalists,” the statement said.

Wike To Apologise

“Media professionals are routinely monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested, particularly during electoral campaigns. Incidents like this can further imperil journalists and highlight the urgent need for balanced and responsible political engagement, especially from public officials.”

The network also urged institutions and public figures to reject violent rhetoric against the media and promote a culture of respectful engagement, even amid strong disagreements.

President Tinubu Unveils Ogun Airport

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday arrived in Ogun State to commission the Gateway International Airport in Iperu and unveil a new state-owned airline, Gateway Air, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing infrastructure development agenda.

The inauguration ceremony, broadcast live on TVC, highlighted the federal and state collaboration in advancing transportation and economic growth in the region.

The President is also scheduled to commission and inspect several other key projects across sectors, including transportation, energy, agriculture, and security, reflecting the government’s commitment to comprehensive development and investment in the state’s economy.

Gateway International Airport. Photo credit: TVC
According to a statement released by PBAT Media Centre, the projects slated for commissioning include the “unveiling of newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, the commissioning of a cargo facility at the airport, the 30MW Independent Power Plant at Onijanganjangan near Ewekoro, and major road projects such as the Ilishan–Iperu Road, the Sagamu–Iperu–Ode Remo–Sapade Road, and the Gateway International Airport Road.”

Other initiatives slated for commissioning include the “reconstructed Old Ibadan Road, to be renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway, distribution of electric bikes, agricultural equipment such as tractors, security vehicles, ambulances, and the Nigeria Customs Service Village and Forward Operating Base.”

In an earlier statement, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in welcoming the President on behalf of the state, said the visit underscores a shared commitment to development across multiple sectors.

The governor explained that the projects reflect efforts to improve infrastructure, mobility, security, emergency response, agriculture, and energy support.

President Tinubu Unveils Ogun Airport

Abiodun said the initiatives also demonstrate a partnership between the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government’s development agenda.

“These projects reflect our shared commitment to infrastructure development, improved mobility, enhanced security, emergency response, agricultural advancement, energy support, and economic transformation,” he said.

The governor further explained that the projects stand as evidence of a resolve to build a “more prosperous Ogun State while contributing meaningfully to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.”

ADC Announces Establishment Of Special Representatives Network In Key Global Capitals

Special representatives network. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the establishment of an ADC Special Representatives Network in key foreign capitals as part of a new initiative to strengthen the party’s international engagement and promote democratic accountability in Nigeria.

The initiative comes in response to the growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition members and leaders that have persisted since July 2025, including attempts to destabilize opposition parties, undermine legitimate party leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the party said that the Special Representatives Network is designed to create structured channels of communication between the ADC and influential international stakeholders, particularly in countries and institutions that prioritize democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Under the initiative, the party will appoint credible representatives as envoys in strategically selected global capitals. These representatives will serve as official points of contact between the ADC and international actors including foreign governments, parliamentary committees, international media organizations, democracy support institutions, and Nigerian diaspora communities.

Through these engagements, the representatives will provide regular briefings on key issues relating to Nigeria’s political environment, including political developments in the country, human rights concerns, democratic governance, electoral integrity, and allegations of repression against opposition actors. They will also communicate the ADC’s policy positions and reform proposals to international stakeholders.

According to the party, the primary objective of the initiative is to ensure that international partners and democratic institutions receive balanced and credible information about Nigeria’s political environment, rather than relying solely on official government narratives.

The ADC stated that by institutionalizing these channels of engagement, the party seeks to strengthen its credibility as a responsible democratic actor while also reinforcing its position as a viable governing alternative committed to democratic norms and constitutional governance.

Based on their global influence, commitment to democratic governance, and the presence of significant Nigerian diaspora communities, the party has identified Washington, DC; London; Brussels; Berlin; Ottawa; Paris; Pretoria; Addis Ababa; Nairobi; Accra; Geneva; and New York for its international strategic engagements.

ADC

As part of the initiative, the party will also establish a National Documentation Initiative, to systematically collect and document incidents affecting political participation across Nigeria. Under this system, state party structures will gather information on incidents including threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities.

ADC emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic step toward strengthening its international presence, improving the flow of credible information about political developments in Nigeria, and reinforcing its commitment to democratic governance, political accountability, and the protection of opposition rights.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC).