The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially demanded an apology from Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni over what it labeled a highly derogatory remark directed at its 2027 presidential candidate, Senator Professor Sandy Onor . According to a statement released on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed , the controversial comment was made during Thursday’s live broadcast of The Morning Show on Arise TV. The party firmly rejected the presenter’s utterance, declaring it entirely unacceptable and standardizing a strong institutional pushback against the media house.

In its formal grievance, the PDP faction alleged that Oseni’s remarks were intentionally calculated or capable of severely damaging the reputation of its presidential flagbearer ahead of the upcoming political cycle. Representatives of the FCT Minister’s camp emphasized that public commentators must maintain professional boundaries rather than using nationwide broadcast platforms to demean political figures. By aggressively defending Onor, the Wike-led faction is signaling its readiness to fiercely protect its frontline political assets and maintain absolute control over the narrative surrounding its 2027 vision.

The party further highlighted that Oseni’s co-presenter on the programme, former presidential spokesman Dr Reuben Abati , immediately intervened and cautioned him over the potentially defamatory nature of the comment.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emphasized that while journalists possess the constitutional right to scrutinize political actors and express opinions on public affairs, this freedom does not extend to insulting or ridiculing candidates. Consequently, the party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the offensive remark and a public apology from Rufai Oseni to Senator Professor Sandy Onor.

Furthermore, the PDP cautioned the management of Arise TV against allowing its platform to be used to disparage its 2027 presidential candidate under the guise of political commentary. They warned that the station must maintain professional standards rather than hosting broadcasts that actively seek to diminish public figures.

In a final warning, the party stated it would consider legal options to protect Onor’s reputation if these defamatory remarks continue. Reaffirming their stance on media accountability, the PDP declared that no journalist, regardless of their platform or perceived influence, is above the law .

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged journalists and broadcasters to uphold responsible journalism when covering political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections .