Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stirred controversy after revealing that he was so angered by a television broadcast that he felt like “shooting through the screen” at a journalist.
Wike made the remark during a media chat in Abuja while reacting to comments by Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter on Channels Television’s Politics Today. The programme had discussed the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and concerns about the strength of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the broadcast, Okinbaloye raised concerns about the possibility of a weakened opposition, warning that if the ADC fails to participate effectively in the next general election, it could lead to a dominance of a single political party, which may undermine democratic competition.
Responding, Wike criticised the journalist, accusing him of abandoning professional neutrality by expressing personal opinions during the programme. He said he was “thoroughly surprised” by the comment and questioned the role of journalists in politically sensitive discussions.
The minister’s remark about “shooting through the screen” quickly drew public attention, prompting backlash. However, Wike later clarified that the statement was not meant as a literal threat but was an expression of frustration.
The incident has since sparked wider debate about the boundaries of journalistic objectivity and the tone of political discourse in Nigeria.
