Wike-Backed PDP demands apology From Arise TV Presenter Rufai Oseni Over Remark On Presidential Candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) backed by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has demanded an apology from Arise Television presenter, Rufai Oseni, over what it described as a derogatory remark against its 2027 presidential candidate, Senator Professor Sandy Onor.

The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said Oseni made the remark during Thursday’s edition of The Morning Show on Arise TV.

The PDP said the remark was unacceptable, alleging that it was capable of damaging the reputation of its presidential candidate.

According to the party, Oseni’s co-presenter on the programme, former presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, immediately cautioned him over the potentially defamatory nature of the comment.

The PDP said while journalists had the right to scrutinise political actors and express opinions on public affairs, such freedom should not extend to insulting or ridiculing political candidates.

It therefore demanded the immediate withdrawal of the remark and a public apology from Oseni to Onor.

The party also cautioned the management of Arise TV against what it described as the use of its platform to ridicule or disparage its presidential candidate under the guise of political commentary.

The PDP warned that it would consider legal options to protect Onor’s reputation if what it described as defamatory remarks continued.

“No journalist, regardless of his platform or perceived influence, is above the law,” the party said.

The PDP urged journalists and broadcasters to uphold what it described as responsible journalism in their coverage of political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.