Adebayo: I’ll Put Sellotape In Wike’s Mouth If I Appoint Him

Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has said he would consider appointing Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to his government but would restrict his public comments.

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 for his work ethic and the infrastructure projects carried out in the Federal Capital Territory, saying the minister had demonstrated a willingness to work and deliver projects.

He noted that several former FCT ministers had achieved less, arguing that Nigeria would record better infrastructure if commissioners of works across the states performed at a level similar to Wike.

Adebayo, however, raised concerns about the cost and value of some projects under Wike, saying there could be questions about inflated contracts and value for money despite the visible development taking place in the capital.

He said as a resident of the FCT, he had noticed improvements in movement and daily activities as a result of ongoing infrastructure projects.

Despite his commendation of Wike’s performance, Adebayo criticised his approach to politics and public communication. He accused the minister of promoting a style of politics that places too much attention on force and the use of state power.

Adebayo also advised the media to limit their coverage of Wike to matters relating to his official responsibilities in the FCT. He argued that excessive attention to the minister’s controversial comments could reduce the dignity associated with his office.

He urged Wike to concentrate on his duties in the capital and provide any political support for President Tinubu privately rather than through public confrontations.

Adebayo warned that the minister’s style could influence younger Nigerians to believe that political disagreements should be handled through intimidation, force or aggressive language.

He said that although he would be willing to appoint someone as capable as Wike because of his ability to deliver results, such an appointee would be expected to exercise restraint in public.

The SDP candidate also described Wike as the best-performing minister in the Tinubu administration, attributing much of the progress recorded in Abuja to the minister’s direct involvement in infrastructure projects.

On the wider performance of the Federal Government, Adebayo accused the Tinubu administration of presenting an unrealistic picture of the economy and making poor choices in the appointment of officials.

He also criticised the management of government revenue figures, arguing that higher allocations do not necessarily reflect improved economic conditions because of the decline in the purchasing power of Nigerians.

Speaking on the Osun State election, Adebayo said Tinubu displayed political skill in managing disagreements within the APC but rejected the idea that the outcome represented a clear demonstration of democratic restraint or a 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 facing Nigerians.

Adebayo also criticised governors who travelled to Osun during the election, accusing them of behaving in a manner unbecoming of public officials.

He urged governors to protect the dignity of their offices and avoid conduct that could encourage young Nigerians to adopt aggressive or undemocratic behaviour.

The SDP candidate said his preference was for a government that combines competence and the ability to deliver with discipline, restraint and respect for democratic values.