By TheDailyNewsHub
ARISE Television on Friday abruptly ended an interview with Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, after he declined to respond to questions from one of the programme’s anchors, Rufai Oseni.
Olayinka appeared on The Morning Show to discuss Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the conversation touching on Wike’s political calculations and the opposition.
During the interview, Oseni took his turn to question Olayinka. However, rather than respond to the question, Olayinka objected to being questioned by the presenter.
“I don’t want to answer any question from you, Oseni Rufai. I want this conversation to be among reasonable human beings; people who won’t describe other people as ‘Gbewudani’,” Olayinka said.
The remark appeared to reference a recent description used by Oseni during an earlier broadcast. Reports indicate that Oseni had used the term while discussing political figures, prompting criticism from ARISE News co-host Reuben Abati.
Another anchor, Ayo Mario Ese, subsequently reminded Olayinka that the programme had three anchors and that he was expected to engage with questions from the presenters.
The exchange could not be resolved, leading to the interview being brought to an early end.
Olayinka had been discussing Wike and 2027 politics
Before the confrontation, Olayinka had made several political comments during the interview.
He said Wike was aware that he could face political consequences if there was a change of government after the 2027 presidential election.
According to Olayinka, Wike’s political role in the 2023 election, particularly his opposition to the presidential bid of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, could make him a target if Atiku or his allies eventually gain political power.
“One thing you must understand about Wike is that he is a realist. He does not deceive himself. If today government changes, he knows,” Olayinka said.
He also argued that political actions could attract consequences, saying that politicians should expect some form of “payback” when they politically hurt others.
In another segment of the interview, Olayinka argued that not all presidential candidates contesting the 2027 election were necessarily seeking victory, saying some could be participating primarily to establish their presence.
Bwala backs Olayinka
Following the incident, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, defended Olayinka’s decision not to answer Oseni.
Bwala accused Oseni and Mario Esse of promoting what he described as the agenda of Peter Obi and the opposition, while praising Olayinka for challenging the presenters.
His comments have added a political dimension to an already heated exchange between the Wike camp and ARISE News presenters.
The incident has since generated discussion online, with attention focused on the boundaries between political interviews, a guest’s right to object to particular questions and a broadcaster’s responsibility to maintain editorial control during live programmes.
Watch the moment below. 👇
Editor’s note: TheDailyNewsHub has reported the exchange based on available footage and contemporaneous reports. Claims made by the participants have been attributed to them and should not be construed as independently established facts.