“After Weakening Opposition, They Are Now Threatening to Shoot Journalists” — ADC on Tinubu Government

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of escalating attacks on democratic freedoms, following comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The controversy stems from remarks directed at television presenter Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television during a public response to his comments on Nigeria’s democratic structure. Wike, reacting to the journalist’s position that a one-party system could undermine democracy, said he was so angered that “if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

The statement has triggered criticism from opposition figures and civil society voices who argue it crosses a line in political discourse.

In a reaction posted on Saturday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the comment as unacceptable and dangerous for press freedom.

He said the remark reflects a broader concern about shrinking democratic space in the country, adding that journalists should not be subjected to intimidation for performing their duties.

Abdullahi also linked the incident to what he described as a pattern of political pressure, alleging that opposition structures have been weakened and attention is now shifting toward the media.

“The ADC said: ‘After weakening opposition, they are now threatening to shoot journalists,’” the statement read, urging public condemnation of any form of threat against journalists and warning against further erosion of free expression in Nigeria.