2027: Adebayo Drops Bombshell On Wike, Reveals What He Would Do If He Becomes President

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has said he could still appoint Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to his government if elected president in 2027, despite his reservations about the minister’s political conduct and public statements.

Adebayo made the disclosure during an interview with Symfoni, where he assessed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and discussed recent political developments, including the Osun State election.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the SDP candidate gave a mixed assessment of Wike, acknowledging the minister’s strong work ethic and pointing to the infrastructure projects carried out across the FCT while criticising his approach to politics and public commentary.

“I respect Wike for one thing: that he has a good work ethic. He can work,” Adebayo said.

He argued that Wike had delivered more visible projects in the FCT than some ministers who previously occupied the position, adding that similar performance from commissioners of works across the states could significantly improve infrastructure nationwide.

However, Adebayo questioned whether all the projects executed under Wike represented value for money, suggesting that some of the contracts may have been inflated. Despite the concern, he maintained that the minister had demonstrated a willingness to work and that residents of the FCT had benefited from some of the projects.

The SDP candidate said his major disagreement with Wike was not his capacity to deliver projects but his political conduct, particularly what he described as an apparent reliance on force and aggressive rhetoric in political engagements.

Adebayo described Wike as a poor example for Nigerian politics and expressed hope that the minister would eventually recognise that political power is temporary.

He also criticised the media for giving Wike extensive platforms to comment on issues outside his responsibilities as FCT minister. According to Adebayo, Wike should concentrate on administering the capital rather than frequently engaging in broader political controversies.

The SDP candidate further argued that some media platforms portray Wike in a manner that diminishes the dignity of his office, urging the minister to support President Tinubu privately if he chooses to do so rather than engaging in what he described as political theatrics.

Despite his criticism, Adebayo maintained that Wike remains the best-performing minister in the Tinubu administration, citing the visible development recorded in the FCT.

“I can appoint Wike, but I’ll put a little tape on his mouth,” Adebayo stated, stressing that his reservations about Wike were largely connected to the minister’s political conduct rather than his ability to work.

Adebayo also criticised the Federal Government’s economic management, arguing that improved revenue and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) figures do not necessarily reflect the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

He questioned the emphasis placed on increased government revenue when citizens’ purchasing power has continued to decline, accusing the leadership of presenting economic figures without adequately addressing the hardship experienced by Nigerians.

The SDP candidate also criticised the chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, accusing him of attempting to create a misleading impression about the economy by highlighting increased revenue allocations without sufficiently considering the declining value of money.

On the Osun State election, Adebayo acknowledged President Tinubu’s political skill in managing divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rejected the idea that the election demonstrated the defeat of federal influence or represented an ideal model of democratic restraint.

He expressed concern over deaths associated with the political process and the absence of what he considered a strong third-party challenge. He also questioned why many Nigerians continued to support the APC despite the economic difficulties confronting citizens.

Adebayo further criticised the involvement of several governors in the Osun election, describing their actions as an “invasion” and accusing some senior political figures of displaying conduct he considered unbecoming of public office holders.

He urged governors and other political leaders to conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the dignity of their offices, warning that their actions could influence how younger Nigerians perceive political leadership and democratic governance.