Wike Blasts Seun Okinbaloye Over “One-Party State” Comment, Admits Emotional Outburst
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reacted strongly to remarks made by Seun Okinbaloye, admitting he became so frustrated during a television broadcast that he wished he could lash out at the journalist through the screen.
Wike made the statement on Friday during a media chat in Abuja, following Thursday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, which discussed the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During the programme, Okinbaloye had raised concerns about Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, warning that the ADC—considered a viable opposition platform—might be unable to participate in the 2027 elections due to its internal challenges.
“I’m particularly very pained because what makes the race interesting is when it’s competitive, not when only one party stands in the middle of the ballot. If the ADC, one of the only hopes of the opposition, cannot contest in 2027, we are doomed democratically,” Okinbaloye said.
Responding, Wike criticized the journalist for what he described as a lack of neutrality, arguing that such comments suggested a personal stance rather than objective questioning.
“I was surprised—thoroughly surprised. Watching Politics Today, if there was any way to break the screen, I would have lashed out. How can you, as an interviewer, say we cannot have only one party? You are now expressing your own views,” Wike said.
He emphasized that while journalists are expected to ask probing questions, they must avoid making statements that could be interpreted as partisan positions on national television.
Wike, however, clarified that his remark was borne out of frustration and should not be taken as a literal threat.