CP-PDP Urges Immediate Police Action Against Minister Wike Over Violent Remarks
The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has issued a strong demand for the inspector-general of police, Tunji Disu, to promptly summon Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for questioning. This call follows Wike's recent threatening remarks directed at Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye, which have sparked widespread alarm over the safety of journalists in Nigeria's volatile political environment.
Details of the Threatening Incident
During a media chat held in Abuja on Friday, April 3, 2026, Minister Wike made a shocking statement in response to Okinbaloye's commentary on the potential for Nigeria to become a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections. Okinbaloye had expressed concerns on his programme, stating that it was disheartening to see the elections shaping up as a contest dominated by a single political party, particularly citing the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He warned that Nigeria's democracy could be "doomed" if the ADC, as a key opposition force, is unable to effectively participate.
In a heated reaction, Wike declared, "I was surprised yesterday, thoroughly surprised. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him." This explicit threat has drawn severe criticism from various quarters, highlighting the precarious situation faced by media personnel in the country.
CP-PDP's Formal Statement and Demands
In a statement released on Saturday, April 4, and signed by Barrister Obinna Nwachukwu, the national coordinator of the CP-PDP, the group expressed deep shock at Wike's outburst. The statement emphasized that such remarks "raise very strong questions on the issue of security and safety of journalists and media personnel in the country with persons like Minister Wike in the government." The CP-PDP has formally requested that IGP Disu summon Wike for interrogation regarding his expressed desire to harm Okinbaloye simply for voicing his opinions on national affairs.
Furthermore, the CP-PDP has escalated its concerns by calling on international bodies, including the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the Arab World, to impose sanctions on Wike. They specifically urged for measures such as visa bans, citing his "resort to violent threats on a journalist." The statement concluded with a stark warning, holding Wike accountable should any harm befall Okinbaloye or other journalists in the lead-up to or aftermath of the 2027 general elections.
Clarification and Backlash from Wike's Camp
In response to the growing controversy, Lere Olayinka, the senior special assistant on public communications to Wike, attempted to downplay the minister's comments. Olayinka claimed that Wike's statement was made in a "hyperbolic context" and clarified that the minister had no actual intention to shoot Okinbaloye. According to Olayinka, Wike was merely angered by the journalist's perceived involvement as an "interested party" in the ADC leadership crisis, and the two have since spoken on the telephone to address the issue.
Despite this clarification, the CP-PDP and other observers remain unconvinced, arguing that such violent rhetoric from a high-ranking government official sets a dangerous precedent and undermines press freedom. The incident has reignited debates about the protection of journalists in Nigeria, especially as the country approaches a critical electoral period.
As the situation unfolds, the CP-PDP's demands highlight a broader call for accountability and safety in media reporting, urging both national and international stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard democratic principles and free speech.
