Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has praised the work ethic and infrastructure projects of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike while strongly criticising his style of public communication.
Adebayo said that if he became President and appointed Wike to his government, he would have to restrict the minister’s public utterances because of what he described as his aggressive approach to politics and use of state power.
He made the remarks in an interview with Symfoni, where he discussed governance, the performance of the Bola Tinubu administration and recent political developments, including the Osun State election.
Adebayo said he respected Wike’s ability to work, particularly his efforts to improve infrastructure in the FCT.
“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 achieved considerably less, adding that Nigeria would have better infrastructure if commissioners of works across the states matched Wike’s level of activity.
Although Adebayo acknowledged concerns that some contracts awarded under Wike could be inflated and may not always provide the best value for money, he maintained that there was visible development taking place in the capital.
As an FCT resident, he said movement around the city had become easier and that the projects being executed had improved aspects of daily life.
Despite his praise for Wike’s performance, Adebayo described the minister as a “bad example for Nigerian politics” because of his approach to force and the exercise of political power.
He expressed hope that Wike would recognise that political power is temporary and that democratic and civilised governance should be prioritised before circumstances teach that lesson.
Adebayo also criticised the media for giving Wike platforms to comment on issues outside his responsibilities as FCT minister.
He argued that journalists sometimes turn the minister into a “clown” by collecting money and broadcasting statements that, in his view, diminish the dignity of his office.
The SDP candidate urged Wike to concentrate on his official responsibilities in the FCT and, where necessary, support President Bola Tinubu privately rather than through what he described as public theatrics.
Adebayo warned that Wike’s political style could influence younger Nigerians to believe that force, intimidation or thuggish rhetoric are acceptable methods of democratic politics.
“If I was in my own government, I can appoint Wike, but I’ll put a little tape in his mouth,” Adebayo stated.
He nevertheless maintained that Wike remains the number one performing minister in the Tinubu administration, arguing that the progress recorded in the FCT is largely connected to the minister’s willingness to be present and execute projects.
Turning to wider governance issues, Adebayo accused the Tinubu administration of intellectual dishonesty, creating an illusion around rising government revenues and making poor choices in the appointment of public officials.
He particularly criticised the chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, accusing him of misleading Nigerians with claims about significantly higher FAAC allocations without adequately accounting for the decline in purchasing power.
On the Osun election, Adebayo said Tinubu demonstrated political skill in managing an internal APC dispute but rejected the suggestion 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 election, the absence of a strong third-party challenge and the continued support for the APC by hundreds of thousands of voters despite the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
Adebayo also criticised state governors who “invaded” Osun during the election, describing their conduct as thuggish and unbecoming of public officials.
He appealed to governors to protect the dignity of their offices and avoid behaviours that could influence young Nigerians negatively.
The SDP candidate concluded that while he would welcome capable officials such as Wike who can deliver results, competence in public office must be accompanied by restraint, responsible communication and respect for democratic principles.
Source: Symfoni
