Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has become the target of fresh controversy after an audio tape from 2016 surfaced in which he was accused of threatening Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officers.
Following his recent statement that he would have “shot” a Channels Television anchor during a live broadcast, he was widely condemned.
Wike’s comment on Seun Okinbaloye during a media briefing in Abuja has drawn criticism from opposition figures, media outlets, and civil society organizations.
The minister was responding to remarks made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, when the anchor raised concerns about Nigeria potentially becoming a one-party state due to the African Democratic Congress’s leadership issue in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
Wike responded by saying, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” a statement that has subsequently sparked controversy.
Audio from 2016 Resurfaces and Raises New Issues
An earlier audio tape has surfaced, indicating a history of similar contentious remarks, despite attempts by some of his aides to paint the comment as an aberrant outburst.
The audio, which was initially made public by SaharaReporters in December 2016, purportedly showed Wike, who was the governor of Rivers State at the time, having a number of phone conversations with INEC officials, political cronies, youth organizations, and local representatives.
The talks described how Wike reportedly arranged payments to INEC officials in order to sway Rivers State legislative rerun elections, according to the report.
The officials were allegedly paid in batches to support Peoples Democratic Party candidates in local government areas including Etche, Khana, Ikwerre, and others. Some of the officials were reportedly sent from Anambra and Plateau states.
Along with references to violence in the impacted areas, the talks purportedly included plots to overpower political opponents.
During one of the discussions, a female INEC officer reportedly expressed dissatisfaction about the insufficient amount of money offered for the assignment.
It was said that an irate Wike retorted that he had already paid the Plateau State electoral coordinator.
When he learned that an election officer had declined to sign a result sheet associated with the arrangement, the situation worsened.
“I’ll see to it that he is killed.”
Wike allegedly threatened to call the Plateau man right away in response to the opposition. I’ll let him know that if he doesn’t give it back, I’ll deal with you.
He reportedly said, “No, if it is that one, he should return whatever… I’m going to make sure that I kill him in this state,” when told to just have the official sign the papers. Please don’t worry.
Wike allegedly spoke with an acquaintance named Owoh in a different conversation, telling him to alert electoral coordinators.
“Call that Plateau coordinator. I told him to caution his man in Khana and to return the money we gave him if he does any trash.” He declared, “I will ensure that he never leaves this state if he tries it.”
“In fact, call the three coordinators… If they want to joke with me, disturb me, I will kill them in this place before they leave, or they should return what I gave,” he said further.
Fayose’s Conversation Comes Back
Another audio leak that surfaced on December 19, 2016, purportedly shows Wike conversing with former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, further escalating the controversy.
Wike allegedly boasted about his involvement in the Rivers rerun elections in the recording, and Fayose praised him for opposing what he called military meddling.
Both men are said to have made derogatory remarks about the Nigerian Army during the heated exchange.
At least three people were confirmed deceased in the Rivers rerun election, which was widely claimed to have been tainted by violence and irregularities.
Concerns were expressed at the time by observers regarding the poll’s methodology and the part played by political players in the escalation of hostilities.
Wike’s public remarks and previous behavior have come under closer scrutiny as a result of the audio’s reappearance, particularly in light of his recent remark about “shooting” a journalist.
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During the discussion, the following exchange took place:
“Ayodele, my son,” Wike said.
Fayose: “You believe I am a member of the Nigerian Army?”
Wike: “The Nigerian Army has ceased to exist.”
Fayose: “You tried, Wike!”
Wike: (laughing)
Fayose: “Everyone has been phoning me! The man is you, Wike! You had to deal with the military threat facing the entire nation.
Wike: (laughing)
Fayose: “When you went out, they were shooting.”
Wike: “You have to fight to the very end, my brother! Kill everyone you can kill. Everyone is yours to kill!
“Ah!” said Fayose. You are the year’s greatest man! It’s too much for one person! Nobody could be aware of the path ahead!
Wike: (laughing)
Fayose: “You visited the collation center!”
Wike: “I had to stop there, yes!”
Fayose: “Well, The video has ended. Observe how they are firing!
Wike: (laughing)
Fayose: “All around! Oh my god! Bravo!
“My brother, thank God for everything,” said Wike. God is it.
“I’m sure we are going to go to court against them for the other one,” said Fayose.
Wike: “Naturally. Certainly! We’ll engage in combat!
Fayose: “You’ve done a great job for us all!”
Wike: “We give thanks to God, my brother!”
Fayose: “I’ll give you a call later.”
Wike: “Well.
