If I Appoint Wike, I’ll Put Sellotape On His Mouth – Adebayo
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
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.
He urged Wike to stick strictly to his official duties in the Federal Capital Territory and to offer any support to President Bola Tinubu privately rather than through public theatrics.
The SDP candidate warned that Wike’s style risks raising a generation of young people who believe democratic politics can be conducted through force or thuggish talk.
“If I was in my own government, I can appoint Wike, but I’ll put a little tape in his mouth,” Adebayo stated.
He maintained that Wike remains the number one performing minister under President Tinubu and that any progress recorded in the FCT is largely due to the minister showing up and doing the work.
Turning to broader governance issues, Adebayo accused the Tinubu administration of intellectual dishonesty, illusion about the real value of increased revenue figures, and poor personnel choices.
He singled out the chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service for what he called gaslighting Nigerians with claims of vastly improved FAAC allocations that ignore the collapse in purchasing power.
On the Osun election, Adebayo said President Tinubu demonstrated political skill in managing an internal APC conflict but rejected suggestions that the outcome was a model of democratic restraint or a genuine defeat of federal might.
He lamented the loss of lives, the absence of a viable third-party challenge, and the continued willingness of hundreds of thousands of voters to support the APC despite the economic hardship.
Adebayo also criticised state governors who “invaded” Osun during the election, describing their behaviour as thuggish and undignified for holders of high public office.
He pleaded with governors to uphold the dignity of their positions for the sake of the people they govern and to avoid setting examples that young Nigerians might copy.
The SDP candidate concluded that while he seeks capable people like Wike who deliver results, public office holders must combine competence with restraint and respect for democratic norms.
