The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has said he would appoint Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to his government if given the opportunity, but would put “sellotape” over his mouth to restrain his public utterances.
Adebayo made the remark during an interview with Symfoni, where he discussed governance, the performance of the Bola Tinubu administration and recent political developments, including the Osun State election.
The SDP candidate praised Wike’s work ethic and his performance in the FCT, particularly his efforts in infrastructure development, but criticised the minister’s communication style and his approach to the use of force and state power.
“I respect Wike for one thing: that he has a good work ethic. He can work,” Adebayo said.
He argued that previous FCT ministers had accomplished significantly less, adding that Nigeria’s infrastructure would improve considerably if commissioners of works across the states matched Wike’s level of activity.
Although Adebayo raised concerns about possible inflated contracts and questions over value for money under Wike, he maintained that tangible projects were being delivered.
As a resident of the FCT, he said he had personally experienced improvements in mobility and daily life as a result of the projects being executed.
‘Wike Is a Bad Example for Nigerian Politics’
Despite his praise for Wike’s performance, Adebayo described the minister as a “bad example for Nigerian politics” because of what he considered an excessive reliance on force and state power.
He expressed hope that Wike would eventually recognise that political power is temporary and that democratic governance should be based on civility rather than intimidation.
Adebayo also criticised the media for giving Wike platforms to comment on issues outside his official responsibilities.
He argued that journalists were diminishing the dignity of the ministerial office by repeatedly broadcasting Wike’s controversial remarks.
The SDP candidate urged Wike to concentrate on his responsibilities in the FCT and provide any political support to President Bola Tinubu privately rather than through what he described as public theatrics.
He warned that such conduct could influence younger Nigerians to believe that politics can be conducted through force or aggressive rhetoric.
“If I was in my own government, I can appoint Wike, but I’ll put a little tape in his mouth,” Adebayo said.
Nevertheless, he maintained that Wike was the best-performing minister in the Tinubu administration and credited his willingness to work for much of the progress recorded in the FCT.
Adebayo Criticises Tinubu Administration
Turning to broader governance issues, Adebayo accused the Tinubu administration of what he described as intellectual dishonesty, creating an illusion around increased government revenues and making poor personnel choices.
He specifically criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Revenue Service, accusing its chairman of misleading Nigerians with claims about improved FAAC allocations while failing to account for the decline in purchasing power.
On the recent Osun State election, Adebayo said President Tinubu demonstrated political skill in managing an internal crisis within the All Progressives Congress.
However, he rejected suggestions that the outcome represented a model of democratic restraint or a genuine defeat of federal influence.
He expressed concern over the loss of lives during the political process, the absence of a strong third-party challenge and the continued support for the APC despite the economic difficulties confronting many Nigerians.
Adebayo also criticised state governors who travelled to Osun during the election, describing their conduct as undignified and unbecoming of holders of high public office.
He urged governors to protect the dignity of their offices and avoid behaviour that could encourage young Nigerians to embrace similar conduct.
The SDP presidential candidate said his position was that competence must be matched with discipline, restraint and respect for democratic values.
According to him, while he would be willing to work with capable officials such as Wike, public office holders must understand that effective leadership requires both performance and responsible conduct.
