Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo said that if he were to appoint Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to his government, he would put sellotape over the minister’s mouth to curb his public utterances.
Adebayo made the remarks in an interview with Symfoni, where he discussed governance, the performance of the Tinubu administration and recent political developments, including the Osun State election.
He praised Wike’s work ethic and contribution to infrastructure in the FCT while sharply criticising the minister’s style of public communication and what he described as the glorification of force and state power.
“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 far less, adding that if commissioners of works across the states matched Wike’s output, Nigeria would have better infrastructure.
Adebayo acknowledged that contracts under Wike may be inflated and value for money may be lacking, but insisted that visible work is being done.
As an FCT resident, he said travel has become easier, and daily life has improved because of the projects being executed.
Despite the praise, Adebayo described Wike as a “bad example for Nigerian politics” because of his approach to the use of force and state power.
He expressed hope that the minister would learn that power is transient and that a civilised society is preferable before circumstances force that lesson on him.
Adebayo called on the media to stop giving Wike platforms outside FCT matters, arguing that journalists turn the minister into a “clown” by collecting money and airing comments that diminish the dignity of his office.
