“Wike never meant to shoot Seun Okinbaloye” — Aide

Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, says the minister’s controversial remark about Seun Okinbaloye was not a literal threat but an expression of frustration.

The remark followed a recent broadcast of Politics Today, where Okinbaloye discussed concerns about Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that weakening opposition parties could reduce electoral competitiveness and affect democratic balance.

Responding during a media chat, Wike criticised the presenter for expressing personal views instead of maintaining neutrality. He said that while watching the programme, he felt so angered that he would have “shot” the anchor if it were possible to break the screen.

The statement drew backlash from civil society groups and political stakeholders, who described it as inappropriate.

In a statement issued Saturday, Olayinka said the comment was made in a hyperbolic sense and had been misinterpreted.

He disclosed that Wike and Okinbaloye had spoken by phone after the incident, adding that the journalist understood the minister’s intent.

Olayinka said Wike’s reaction reflected disappointment, noting that the minister holds the presenter in high regard but believed he crossed into advocacy during the broadcast.

He added that Wike had already clarified during the live programme that he did not intend the remark literally, insisting that portraying it otherwise amounts to deliberate misrepresentation.