Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, belongs to his political camp, insisting that they all ultimately belong to President Bola Tinubu.
Wike made the statement on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja, where he commented on Adeleke’s recent visits to him and President Tinubu amid growing political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The FCT minister said the 2027 presidential election would be characterised by extensive political alliances, predicting that more politicians and groups would join the coalition supporting Tinubu.
Wike also criticised members of the African Democratic Congress who he said were attempting to claim credit for Adeleke’s victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
He argued that Adeleke was now fully aligned with President Tinubu and that the governor’s recent meetings with the President and himself demonstrated where his political allegiance lay.
“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.
According to the minister, Adeleke’s decision to visit Tinubu and himself showed that the Osun governor was firmly in their political camp.
“So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President,” he said.
Wike said the political realignment was still unfolding and urged Nigerians to watch for further developments in the coming weeks.
“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.
The former Rivers State governor also dismissed suggestions that the 2027 political contest had already been settled.
“You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded,” Wike said.
He also took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher Dele Momodu over his reported support for the ADC and Adeleke.
“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.
Wike concluded by reiterating his position that Adeleke was aligned with his political camp and that both men ultimately supported Tinubu.
“Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother,” he 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 President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The Independent National Electoral Commission presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return on Wednesday following his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke’s victory has intensified political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and blocs seeking new alliances and realignments.
Wike had earlier said he would have been in Osun State during the election if Tinubu wanted the APC candidate, Oyebamiji, to win at all costs.
The FCT minister’s latest remarks have further fuelled speculation about the evolving political relationship involving Adeleke, Wike and the Tinubu camp.
