Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has become the target of fresh uproar when an audio tape from 2016 that purportedly showed him threatening Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) personnel surfaced.
The move follows his recent statement that he would have “shot” a Channels Television anchor during a live broadcast, which was widely condemned.
Wike’s comment on Seun Okinbaloye at a media briefing in Abuja has drawn criticism from opposition figures, media organizations, and civil society organizations.
The minister was responding to remarks made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, when the host questioned whether Nigeria may become a one-party state due to the African Democratic Congress’s leadership issue in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
Wike responded with the statement, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” which has subsequently sparked controversy.
2016 Audio Comes Back, Raising New Issues
An earlier audio tape has surfaced, indicating a history of similar provocative remarks, despite attempts by some of his advisers to depict the speech as an unusual outburst.
The recording, which was initially made public by SaharaReporters in December 2016, purportedly showed Wike, who was the governor of Rivers State at the time, speaking on the phone with INEC officials, political cronies, youth organizations, and local representatives.
The article described how Wike reportedly arranged payments to INEC officials in order to sway legislative rerun elections in Rivers State.
In order to support Peoples Democratic Party candidates in places like Etche, Khana, Ikwerre, and other local government areas, the officials—some of whom were allegedly deployed from Anambra and Plateau states—were allegedly paid in batches.
Plans to overpower political rivals were purportedly discussed, along with references to bloodshed in the impacted areas.
During one of the discussions, a female INEC officer reportedly expressed dissatisfaction about the insufficient amount of money offered for the assignment.
According to reports, 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 connected to the arrangement, the situation worsened.
“I’ll see to it that I murder him.”
Wike allegedly threatened the opposition by saying, “Don’t worry, I will call the Plateau man now.” I’ll let him know that I’ll deal with you if he doesn’t return this item.
“No, if it is that one, he should return whatever… I’m going to make sure that I kill him in this state,” he reportedly argued when told to just have the official sign the paperwork. Don’t worry, please.
In a different conversation, Wike allegedly spoke with an acquaintance named Owoh and instructed him to alert electoral coordinators.
“Call that Plateau coordinator. I told him to warn his man in Khana and to return the money we provided him if he did any trash. “I’ll make sure he never leaves this state if he tries it,” he declared.
“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, issuing a more severe warning.
Discussion With Fayose Comes Back
Another audio leak that surfaced on December 19, 2016, supposedly shows Wike conversing with former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, further escalating the controversy.
According to the recording, Wike boasted about his part in the Rivers rerun elections, and Fayose praised him for standing up to what he called military meddling.
According to reports, both guys made derogatory comments regarding the Nigerian Army throughout the exchange.
According to reports, the Rivers rerun election mentioned in the tapes was marked by violence and irregularities, with at least three verified deaths.
Concerns were voiced by onlookers at the time regarding the poll’s methodology and the part played by political players in growing hostilities.
The audio’s reappearance has increased scrutiny of Wike’s prior behavior and public remarks, particularly in light of his recent remark about “shooting” a journalist.
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The following exchange was part of the conversation:
“Ayodele, my son!” exclaimed Wike.
“You think I’m a member of the Nigerian Army?” asked Fayose.
Wike: “There is no longer a Nigerian Army!”
“Ah, Wike, you tried!” said Fayose.
Wike: (Chuckles)
Fayose: “I’ve been getting calls from everyone! You are the man, Wike! You had to deal with the military threat of the entire nation.
Wike: (Chuckles)
“They were shooting when you went o..,” said Fayose.
Wike: “You have to fight until the very end, my brother! Kill everyone you can.” You can kill everyone!
Fayose: “Oh! The man of the year is you! One individual cannot handle this one! Nobody could figure out how to proceed!
Wike: (Chuckles)
“You went to the collation center!” exclaimed Fayose.
“Yes, I had to stop there,” said Wike.
Fayose: “Oh! The video is finally complete! Look at how they’re shooting!
Wike: (Chuckles)
Fayose: “Everywhere! Oh no! Congratulations!
Wike: “Thank God for everything, my brother. It’s God.
“I’m sure we are still going to go to court against them for the other one,” said Fayose.
Wike: “Obviously. Naturally! We’ll battle it out!
“You’ve done well for all of us,” said Fayose.
Wike: “My brother, we thank God!”
“I’ll call you later,” said Fayose.
Wike: “All right.
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