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‘If Wike Fails To Apologize To Okinbaloye, We Will Boycott All Press Briefings’ – Broadcasters Warn

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6 days ago

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The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract a controversial remark he made about a journalist with Channels Television, Seun Okinbaloye.

IBAN, the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, also warned that it may boycott all media engagements organized by the minister if he fails to issue a public apology.

In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN Chairman, and Fidelis Duker, Acting General Secretary, the association expressed concern about the implications of the comment aired during a live television interview.

The controversy stemmed from a remark made by Wike during a routine media chat on Friday, when he reacted to Okinbaloye’s commentary on the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy while watching the program Politics Today.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said.

The minister later clarified to journalists present that the statement was not a literal threat.

On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the minister, described the comment as “hyperbolic”, arguing that it had been taken out of context by critics.

However, IBAN maintained that the remark was inappropriate for a public official, even if it was not intended as a literal threat.

The association said statements suggesting violence could easily be interpreted as intimidation of journalists.

IBAN warned that comments implying violence could contribute to a hostile environment for media practitioners.

The group noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, adding that journalists already face numerous challenges.

According to the association, these include surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.

The association called on the minister to withdraw the remark and apologise publicly to the journalist and the wider media community.

IBAN also urged Wike to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in accordance with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement read.

Despite its warning, the association said it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials.

“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” IBAN added.

 

 

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Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

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16 hours ago

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April 11, 2026

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ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

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Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

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20 hours ago

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April 11, 2026

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The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.

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Politics

“Jail David Mark” as ADC’s Internal Crisis Deepens: Hon Success Opara Threatens Action Against David Mark

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20 hours ago

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April 11, 2026

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Abuja, Nigeria – Tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reached a boiling point as Hon Success Opara, a high-ranking party official, warned that she would not hesitate to send former Senate President David Mark to jail if she were the judge handling the party’s internal litigation cases.

Opara’s statement comes in response to allegations that Mark and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) failed to adhere to the ADC’s constitution.

“I’ll jail David Mark if I’m the Judge handling the ADC party internal litigation cases, citing how David Mark and the NEC were not able to adhere to what is written  in the constitution of the ADC,” Opara said.

The internal strife has led to a flurry of court cases, with various factions vying for control of the party. Opara’s remarks underscore the deepening divisions within the ADC and raise questions about the party’s future.

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