LAGOS, NIGERIA — Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni and the All Progressives Congress National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, clashed on live television on Tuesday.
The heated exchange occurred during a live interview on Arise TV. The argument began over the remarks made by President Bola Tinubu at a campaign rally in Kaduna.
The Exchange
Oseni questioned Morka about the current state of Nigeria’s economy under the Tinubu administration. He asked the APC spokesman to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Morka defended President Tinubu’s remarks at the Kaduna rally. He insisted that there was nothing wrong with what the President said.
He argued that Tinubu showed up at the campaign rally to ask the people for their support. He said the rally was not a policy summit or a dialogue.
Morka further stated that the President was not expected to deliver a policy speech to appease what he described as “opposition tribesmen dressed as journalists.”
Oseni’s Insistence
But Oseni insisted that Morka was dodging the real question about the hardship Nigerians are facing. He said the APC spokesman was avoiding the issues that matter to ordinary citizens.
During the heated exchange, Oseni told Morka directly that he had yet to answer the question about the current state of Nigeria’s economy. He said Morka should respond whenever he was ready.
“You are yet to answer my question about the current state of Nigeria’s economy. Respond whenever you are ready to answer,” Oseni told Morka.
The Kaduna Rally
The exchange followed President Tinubu’s campaign rally in Kaduna. The President had blamed his political opponents for creating hunger and poverty in Nigeria.
Tinubu accused the opposition of mismanaging the country’s resources. He said their policies led to economic hardship.
The President defended his economic reforms during the rally. He said the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates were necessary to save the country from collapse.
Public Reaction
The exchange between Oseni and Morka has sparked reactions on social media. Many Nigerians praised Oseni for holding the APC spokesman accountable.
Some said the exchange highlighted the disconnect between the government and the people. Others criticised Morka for avoiding the questions.
“The media must continue to hold public officials accountable. The economy is a serious issue, and it cannot be wished away,” a social media user said.
What This Means
The exchange reflects the growing tension between the government and the media ahead of the 2027 elections. The economy is a major issue for voters.
The APC has been under pressure to defend its economic record. Critics say the reforms have caused hardship for millions of Nigerians.
What Happens Next
The APC will continue to defend its policies. It will also intensify its campaign ahead of the elections.
For now, the focus is on addressing the concerns of Nigerians. The coming months will reveal whether the government can convince the people that its reforms are working.
