- Nyesom Wike says Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke is fully backing President Bola Tinubu.
- The FCT minister predicts a broader political coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
- Wike insists the 2027 presidential race is not yet decided.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is now firmly aligned with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Wike made the declaration on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja.
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The FCT minister was reacting to Adeleke’s recent political engagements, including visits to President Tinubu and himself, amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Wike, Adeleke’s recent actions have made his political position clear, despite claims by some members of the African Democratic Congress that they contributed significantly to his victory in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Wike said some ADC members were attempting to take credit for Adeleke’s victory and subsequently claim political ownership of the governor.
“I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election. I have told ADC who are talking about, oh, they helped Adeleke to win, they just wanted to go ahead and harvest what they never planted,” Wike said.
He added that Adeleke’s decision to visit Tinubu and himself demonstrated where the governor’s political allegiance currently lies.
“So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President,” Wike stated.
The former Rivers State governor also predicted that the political realignment ahead of the 2027 election would grow in the coming weeks, with more political groups expected to join the alliance supporting Tinubu.
“And so, we went to bed last night and encouraged ourselves to continue. And the next few weeks, watch what is going to happen. You will see a larger rainbow coalition in this country supporting Mr President,” he said.
Wike, however, cautioned against assuming that the 2027 presidential election had already been decided, stressing that the political contest remained open.
“You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded,” he said.
The minister also took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher, Dele Momodu, over his reported support for the ADC and Adeleke.
Wike questioned Momodu’s political calculations, referring to the latter’s reported attempts to align with the Osun governor.
“I don’t know where Dele Momodu will be now. Every time you see him on television, he was born in Ife thinking that will make Adeleke come to your side,” Wike said.
He concluded by reaffirming his position on Adeleke’s relationship with the Tinubu camp.
“Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother,” Wike said.
Wike’s comments came a day after Adeleke visited him in Abuja and presented his Certificate of Return to the FCT minister.
The visit followed Adeleke’s meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The Independent National Electoral Commission presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return on Wednesday after he secured victory in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes. The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.
The outcome of the Osun election has intensified political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and influential blocs seeking new alliances.
Wike had previously stated that he would have travelled to Osun State during the governorship election if Tinubu had wanted the APC candidate to win at all costs.
His latest remarks have further fuelled speculation over Adeleke’s political direction and the growing relationship between the Osun governor, Wike and the Tinubu administration.
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