Broadcasters demand apology from Wike after the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to retract a controversial comment he made about a journalist during a live television programme, warning that failure to apologise could lead to a boycott of his media engagements.
The association described the remark as intimidating and inappropriate for a public official.
The controversy stems from remarks Wike made on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television aired on April 3, 2026.
During the broadcast, presenter Seun Okinbaloye spoke about the competitive nature of elections and the risks of a one‑party system, comments that touched on Nigeria’s democratic landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to Okinbaloye’s comments, Wike said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” a statement that drew sharp criticism from media stakeholders who view it as an unacceptable expression of violence by a senior government official.
The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) said the comments undermined press freedom and could be interpreted as intimidation against journalists simply doing their job.
In a statement signed by IBAN Chairman Dr. Ahmed Tijani Ramalan and Acting General Secretary Fidelis Duker, the association condemned Wike’s comments and called for a clear public retraction and apology.
IBAN noted that while Wike’s office later clarified that he “did not mean physical harm,” even hypothetical expressions of violence from a high‑ranking official could normalise hostility toward the media and jeopardise safety.
The association warned that independent broadcasters across the country could boycott press briefings, interviews, and engagements involving Wike if he does not address their concerns and reinforce a commitment to media freedom.
Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the global Press Freedom Index, underscoring the sensitive environment in which journalists operate and making such remarks by public officials especially concerning for media advocates.
The demand for an apology has also drawn attention from other civil society groups, and some press freedom advocates are calling for broader discussions on the role of language and conduct among public office holders in democratic debates.
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The broadcasters’ demand for an apology from Wike highlights ongoing tensions between public officials and media practitioners over acceptable standards of engagement.
For the media sector, the incident raises questions about press freedom, safety, and the responsibilities of those in power to uphold democratic norms.
If the boycott threat moves forward, it could limit Wike’s ability to communicate directly with broadcast journalists, potentially affecting the flow of information to the public.
Such a boycott would also test the influence of media associations in holding senior officials to account.
For policymakers and civil society, the situation underscores the need for clear norms governing public discourse, especially by senior leaders.
It also highlights the importance of protecting journalists who operate within an environment that remains challenging for media freedoms
