Nigerian businessman and social commentator, Prince Isaac Fayose, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his comments on the outcome of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
Wike had told journalists on Tuesday that the Federal Government deliberately refrained from using its influence to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu allowed the people of Osun State to freely choose their preferred leader.
Wike further argued that if Tinubu had wanted the APC to win the election, he would have personally visited the state during the electoral process.
The remarks have sparked reactions across the country, with critics arguing that Wike’s statement could be interpreted as suggesting that federal power could be used to influence electoral outcomes.
Reacting in a video shared on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Fayose expressed disappointment with Wike’s comments and insisted that the people of Osun State had already made up their minds before going to the polls.
Fayose argued that Osun voters should not be compared with voters in Rivers State, where Wike previously served as governor.
“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,” Fayose said.
He criticised the minister further, saying, “May God continue to save Nigeria from these kinds of people. God will shock him.”
Fayose maintained that the people of Osun State could not have been forced to vote against their wishes, regardless of the political influence brought to bear during the election.
“Osun people are not Rivers. Osun people made up their minds, and one thousand of you cannot change it. You are dreaming,” he said.
The businessman also took a swipe at Wike’s political ambitions, claiming that Nigeria would have been worse off had he been selected as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate.
“Thank God Atiku did not choose you as his vice president; this country would have been destroyed more than it is now,” Fayose added.
He further questioned whether Wike’s comments suggested an intention to influence the decision of Osun voters, saying, “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?”