“Violent remark is unlawful and unacceptable” — Amnesty International condemns Nyesom Wike’s threat to shoot Seun Okinbaloye over one-party comment

Amnesty International has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a statement in which he suggested he would shoot a television presenter during a live broadcast.

Mr Wike made the remark on Friday while reacting to comments by Seun Okinbaloye, host of *Politics Today* on Channels Television. The minister expressed anger over a discussion on the programme about concerns that Nigeria could drift toward a one-party system.

“I was surprised… when I was watching Politics Today,” Mr Wike said during the media briefing. “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him and commit murder.”

In a statement issued on Saturday, Amnesty International described the comment as dangerous and unacceptable.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the reckless and violent language of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory,” the organisation said. “What Wike said carries the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job.”

The group added that the remark violates Nigeria’s broadcasting standards and called for immediate action.

“This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigeria’s federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable. Mr. Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” the statement said.

Amnesty International also warned that such rhetoric could undermine press freedom and embolden attacks against media professionals.

The development comes amid growing political tensions, with opposition figures raising concerns about the state of multi-party democracy under the administration of Bola Tinubu.

The debate intensified following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on a leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The commission removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from party leadership positions, citing a Court of Appeal ruling.

INEC said it would no longer recognise any factional leadership of the party pending the outcome of an ongoing case, a move that has been challenged by a faction aligned with Mr Mark, which alleges political interference.

Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have accused the government and the electoral body of actions that could limit political competition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.