Wike's Political Bombshell: 'Adeleke Belongs To Us, We All Belong To Tinubu'

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explicitly stated that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is a firm member of his political camp and that they both maintain unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. Wike made these declarations on Friday while addressing journalists during a project inspection in Abuja. His comments arose in the context of Adeleke's recent meetings with both himself and President Tinubu, signaling significant political realignments in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

Wike projected that the 2027 presidential election would be characterized by extensive political alliances, asserting that a greater number of politicians and various groups would align with the coalition supporting President Tinubu. He further criticized some members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing them of attempting to claim credit for Governor Adeleke’s electoral triumph, suggesting they sought to benefit from a victory to which they did not contribute. Wike stated, “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, you know.”

According to Wike, Adeleke's recent visits to both the President and himself are definitive indicators of where the Osun governor’s political allegiance lies, firmly stating, “So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President.” He elaborated that the political realignment process is still evolving and that a broader array of political groups is expected to soon join forces with those endorsing the President. “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 remarked. The former Rivers State governor also refuted claims that the political contest leading up to the 2027 elections has already been decided, reiterating, “You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded.”

Wike also took the opportunity to critique former presidential candidate and publisher, Dele Momodu, regarding his reported support for the ADC and Adeleke. He dismissively commented, “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.” Reaffirming Adeleke’s integral position within his political faction, Wike concluded by declaring their collective allegiance to President Tinubu: “Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother.”

These significant comments from Wike came just a day after Governor Adeleke visited him in Abuja and formally presented his Certificate of Return to the FCT minister. This meeting closely followed an earlier engagement between the Osun governor and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had officially presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return on Wednesday, confirming his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. In that election, Adeleke secured a total of 511,067 votes, successfully defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes. Governor Adeleke's victory has undoubtedly intensified political calculations and strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various political parties and blocs actively explore potential alliances and realignments.