The Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) issued an unreserved apology to Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye over a controversial comment attributed to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The remark, described as a joke during a media parley in Abuja, was said to have been misinterpreted and taken out of context. In a statement released on Monday and signed by National Coordinator Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary General Ugwuoke Ugwuoke, NDI-ABAT clarified that Wike's words were not intended as a threat but as a light-hearted expression. The group stated that Okinbaloye had confirmed Wike personally contacted him to explain, and both parties had resolved the matter amicably. NDI-ABAT emphasized it was not speaking on behalf of the FCT minister but acted out of civic responsibility due to Wike's support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The forum also urged members of the opposition, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to refrain from politicising the issue. "It is unnecessary to inflame an issue that has already been resolved between the individuals concerned," the statement said.
Nyesom Wike's need for damage control through a third party speaks more to his political style than to any real threat. That NDI-ABAT felt compelled to issue a statement over a "joke" underscores how easily rhetoric escalates in Nigeria's tense media environment. The fact that Seun Okinbaloye accepted a personal explanation suggests the incident was more about political optics than personal grievance. For Nigerians, this episode reinforces the normalisation of dangerous language disguised as humour in public office.
