Wike: Adeleke firmly in our camp, all of us under Tinubu's leadership

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has openly declared that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is a member of his political faction, while simultaneously affirming that he and his allies are all ultimately aligned with President Bola Tinubu. Wike made these remarks on Friday during an interaction with journalists amidst an inspection tour in Abuja. His comments followed recent high-profile visits by Governor Adeleke to both himself and President Tinubu, sparking discussions about potential political realignments in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

The FCT Minister emphasized that the upcoming 2027 presidential election is expected to feature extensive political collaborations. He maintained that a growing number of politicians and various groups would join the existing coalition supporting President Tinubu's administration. Wike specifically addressed certain members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who, according to him, were attempting to take undue credit for Governor Adeleke's victory in the Osun gubernatorial election. Wike, however, asserted that Governor Adeleke has now fully pledged his support to President Tinubu.

"I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election," Wike stated. "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, you know."

Wike further explained that Governor Adeleke's decision to visit both President Tinubu and himself clearly demonstrates where the Osun governor's political loyalties now lie. He affirmed, "So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President."

The former Rivers State governor added that the ongoing political repositioning is still evolving, urging Nigerians to anticipate more groups joining the alliance backing the President. He remarked, "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."

Wike also dismissed any suggestions that the outcome of the 2027 political contest has already been predetermined. He said, "You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded."

Additionally, Wike took a jab at former presidential candidate and prominent publisher, Dele Momodu, concerning his reported support for the ADC and Adeleke. Wike questioned, "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."

Concluding his address, Wike reiterated Governor Adeleke’s allegiance to his political faction and their collective commitment to President Tinubu. "Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother," he declared.

Wike’s pronouncements came just a day after Governor Adeleke visited him in Abuja, presenting his Certificate of Return to the FCT Minister. This visit followed Governor Adeleke’s earlier meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, on Wednesday, August 15, 2026, issued Adeleke his Certificate of Return, confirming his victory in the Osun State governorship election. In that election, Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, triumphing over the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who garnered 444,815 votes. Najeem Salaam, the ADC candidate, placed third with 17,180 votes.

Governor Adeleke’s electoral success has significantly intensified political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, prompting various parties and political blocs to actively seek new alliances and realignments. Earlier, Wike had indicated that he would have been present in Osun State during the election if President Tinubu had insisted on an APC victory for Oyebamiji at any cost. The FCT Minister’s latest statements further fuel ongoing speculation regarding the burgeoning political realignment involving Governor Adeleke, Minister Wike, and the camp of President Tinubu.