Nigerian businessman and social commentator, Prince Isaac Fayose, has criticised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his remarks on the outcome of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
Fayose expressed concern over Wike’s suggestion that the intervention of President Bola Tinubu could have influenced the outcome of the election if the President had personally campaigned in the state for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Wike had told journalists on Tuesday that the Federal Government did not deploy its influence against Governor Ademola Adeleke during the election, insisting that President Tinubu allowed the people of Osun State to freely choose their leader.
He further stated that if the President had wanted the APC to win, he would have personally travelled to Osun State during the election.
However, reacting in a video shared on his official Facebook page, Fayose argued that the outcome of the election reflected the decision of the people of Osun State and could not have been altered by political influence.
According to him, the political realities in Osun are different from those in Rivers State, where Wike served as governor.
Fayose said: “When I listen to Wike, my stomach rumbles. Look at the confidence with which he said if the President had wanted Osun, he would have been there.
“Osun people are not Rivers. Osun people made up their minds, and one thousand of you cannot change it. You are dreaming.”
The businessman also questioned the continued political relevance of Wike, recalling his role in the 2023 presidential election and his relationship with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
“Thank God Atiku did not choose you as his vice president; this country would have been destroyed more than it is now,” Fayose said.
He further accused Wike of suggesting that the political approach used in Rivers State could be replicated in Osun, warning against any attempt to undermine the will of voters.
“So, you wanted to change the will of Osun people as you usually do in Rivers? I feel sorry for Nigerians. How come people are still campaigning for this man?” he asked.
