Derogatory remarks: PDP replies Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday warned Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni against making reckless and derogatory description of its presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, during its September 3, 2026 edition of The Morning Show.

In a statement made available to Blueprint.ng in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, PDP noted that sensing the seriousness of what was said on air, Oseni’s own co-presenter, Dr. Reuben Abati had to immediately caution him about the potentially defamatory nature of the remark.

Consequent upon that, the party has therefore warned that it would not sit idly by while its presidential candidate is subjected to ridicule or deliberate characterisation designed to diminish his person and standing before millions of Nigerians.

PDP cautioned further that while journalists are entitled to interrogate political actors, express opinions and subject candidates to robust scrutiny, such freedom according to the party does not confer a licence to insult, ridicule or maliciously disparage political candidates, particularly a Presidential Candidate of the standing of Senator Professor Sandy Onor.

“Mr. Oseni’s utterance was completely unacceptable and falls far below the standards expected of responsible journalism and broadcasting.

“The PDP therefore demands the immediate withdrawal of the offensive remark and an unreserved public apology to our Presidential Candidate, Distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Onor.

“We equally caution the management of Arise TV against allowing its platforms to be used for ridiculing, insulting, or deliberately disparaging our Presidential Candidate under the guise of political commentary.

“We further warn that political commentary must not cross the line into defamation or character assassination. Freedom of expression is not a licence for reckless abuse, and the PDP will not hesitate to take all appropriate measures available under the law to protect the dignity, integrity, and reputation of its presidential candidate.

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

“Rufai Oseni and Arise TV should take this warning seriously. Responsible journalism is not optional; it is an obligation,” the statement added.