Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, declined to answer questions from Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni during a live television programme on Friday.
Olayinka appeared on The Morning Show but made it clear that he was unwilling to engage directly with Oseni, saying he preferred discussions with people he regarded as reasonable.
The tension reportedly followed Olayinka’s objection to Oseni’s alleged use of the word “emudani” while referring to certain individuals.
During the programme, Oseni asked Olayinka to explain why former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu, who has faced corruption allegations, was included in the presidential campaign council.
Instead of addressing the question, Olayinka directed his response at Oseni and said he would not answer questions from him.
“Well, I’m very sorry to say this, Oseni Rufai, I don’t want to answer any question from you. I want to concentrate,” Olayinka said.
He added: “I want this conversation to be among reasonable human beings, people who will not come and tell, who will not come and describe other people as ‘emudani’.”
The exchange marks another public disagreement between Olayinka and Oseni, who have clashed on several occasions in the past.
Their previous disagreements have included debates over journalism, professional qualifications and the conduct of television interviews.
In one earlier confrontation, Olayinka questioned Oseni’s credentials as a journalist, citing his academic background in Animal Anatomy. Oseni, however, defended his professional experience and training in journalism.
Olayinka has also previously criticised Oseni’s interviewing style, accusing the broadcaster in 2025 of failing to maintain appropriate standards when engaging public officials on television.
