BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has apologised to Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, over a controversial remark allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Monday and jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary General, Ugwuoke Ugwuoke, the group described the comment as a joke that had been widely misinterpreted.
NDI-ABAT said it was offering an unreserved apology to Okinbaloye, noting that the remark, made during a recent media parley in Abuja, had generated backlash and controversy.
The group explained that Wike’s comment was intended as a light-hearted expression and not a threat, adding that the situation had been taken out of context by some political actors, including members of the opposition coalition.
“We believe it is both prudent and patriotic to intervene and clarify that the statement was made in jest,” the forum said.
According to the group, Okinbaloye had since confirmed that Wike personally reached out to him after the incident to explain his remarks, and that both parties had resolved the issue amicably.
NDI-ABAT, however, clarified that it was not speaking on behalf of the FCT minister but acted out of what it described as civic responsibility, citing Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group also urged opposition figures, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), not to politicise the matter further.
“It is unnecessary to inflame an issue that has already been resolved between the individuals concerned,” the statement added.
The forum expressed hope that the clarification would calm tensions on social media and encourage more responsible public discourse.
