NDI-ABAT apologizes to Seun Okinbaloye for Wike’s “shooting” comment.

The Ndigbo for Tinubu Forum 2027 (NDI-ABAT) has apologized to Channels TV host, Seun Okinbaloye, over a controversial remark allegedly made by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

In a statement released on Monday and jointly signed by its national coordinator, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and secretary general, Ugwuoke Ugwuoke, the group described the comment as a widely misunderstood joke.

NDI-ABAT said it is offering an unreserved apology to Okinbaloye, stressing that the remark, made during a recent media briefing in Abuja, generated negative reactions and controversy.

The group explained that Wike’s comment was intended as a cheerful expression and not as 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 prudent and patriotic to step in and clarify that the statement was made in jest,” the forum said.

According to the group, Okinbaloye had later confirmed that Wike had contacted him personally after the incident to explain his remarks and that both parties had resolved the matter amicably.

NDI-ABAT, however, clarified that it was not speaking on behalf of the FCT minister but acted on what it described as civic responsibility, citing Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group also urged opposition representatives, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), not to further politicize the issue.

“There is no need to inflame an issue that has already been resolved among the people concerned,” the statement adds.

The forum expressed hope that the clarification would calm tensions on social media and encourage more responsible public discourse.