The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has said he would consider appointing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to his government if elected, but would put “sellotape” over his mouth to restrain his public utterances.
Adebayo made the remark during an interview with Symfoni while discussing governance, the performance of the Bola Tinubu administration and recent political developments, including the Osun State election.
The SDP candidate praised Wike for his work ethic and his contributions to infrastructure development in the FCT, describing him as one of the best-performing ministers in the current administration.
“I respect Wike for one thing: that he has a good work ethic. He can work,” Adebayo said.
He noted that previous FCT ministers had achieved considerably less, arguing that Nigeria’s infrastructure would improve significantly if commissioners of works across the states matched Wike’s level of output.
However, Adebayo questioned the value for money of some projects executed under Wike, suggesting that some contracts could be inflated. He nevertheless acknowledged that visible infrastructure projects were being delivered.
According to him, living and commuting in the FCT have become easier as a result of the ongoing projects.
Despite his praise for Wike’s performance, Adebayo criticised the minister’s public communication style and what he described as his apparent glorification of force and state power.
He said Wike needed to recognise that political power was temporary and urged him to embrace a more civilised approach to governance.
Adebayo also criticised media organisations for giving Wike platforms to comment on issues outside his official responsibilities, arguing that such appearances could diminish the dignity of his office.
He advised Wike to concentrate on his responsibilities in the FCT and provide any political support to President Tinubu privately rather than through what he described as public theatrics.
The SDP candidate warned that Wike’s approach could influence younger Nigerians to believe that democratic politics can be conducted through forceful or aggressive behaviour.
“If I was in my own government, I can appoint Wike, but I’ll put a little tape in his mouth,” Adebayo said.
He, however, maintained that Wike remains the top-performing minister in the Tinubu administration, attributing much of the progress recorded in the FCT to the minister’s commitment to his duties.
On the broader performance of the Tinubu administration, Adebayo accused the government of intellectual dishonesty, poor personnel choices and creating an illusion of economic improvement through increased revenue figures.
He particularly criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Revenue Service over claims of improved Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenues, arguing that such figures fail to reflect the decline in Nigerians’ purchasing power.
Speaking on the Osun State election, Adebayo said President Tinubu demonstrated political skill in managing internal conflicts within the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rejected suggestions that the election 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 widespread economic hardship.
Adebayo also criticised state governors who travelled to Osun during the election, describing their conduct as undignified and inappropriate for public officials.
He urged political leaders to protect the dignity of their offices and avoid behaviours that could set negative examples for younger Nigerians.
The SDP presidential candidate concluded that while he would welcome capable officials who deliver results, competence in public office must be accompanied by restraint, dignity and respect for democratic principles.
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