Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of Channels Television’s flagship programme Politics Today, has firmly responded to remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, affirming that he remains undaunted in the discharge of his professional duties.
The controversy arose after Okinbaloye, during Thursday’s edition of Politics Today, expressed concern over the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the broader implications of Nigeria potentially drifting towards a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the broadcast during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Minister Wike expressed strong displeasure with the anchor’s comments, stating that if it were possible, he would have “broken the screen and shot” Okinbaloye. The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, later described the remark as hyperbolic and not intended as a threat, noting that the two had since spoken by phone and clarified the matter.
In a Sunday broadcast, Okinbaloye addressed the issue directly: “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated. We may disagree and as humans we may err, but dissent must never descend into hostility or harm.”
He added: “Journalism grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power. I will continue to do what I love asking the necessary questions, holding power to account. If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”
Okinbaloye thanked civil society organisations, viewers, and members of the public for their solidarity and support. He also acknowledged receiving a personal call from Minister Wike clarifying the intent behind the comment, as well as reassurance from the Department of State Services.
He however warned: “Violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society. Our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting. This is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”
Channels Television remains committed to independent, balanced, and fearless journalism in the service of democracy and the Nigerian people. The station will continue to provide a platform for robust public discourse without fear or favour.