Wike's Shocking Allegiance: 'We All Belong To Tinubu!'

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has explicitly stated that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is firmly within his political fold and that they both pledge unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. This declaration was made by Wike on Friday while engaging with journalists during a project inspection tour in Abuja. His comments shed light on Governor Adeleke's recent high-profile meetings with both himself and President Tinubu, signaling notable political realignments currently underway in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

Minister Wike articulated his belief that the 2027 presidential election is poised to be an "in-depth" contest, characterized by extensive political alliances. He confidently asserted that a growing number of politicians and various political groups would ultimately align with the burgeoning coalition backing President Tinubu. Furthermore, Wike took the opportunity to criticize certain members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing them of attempting to appropriate credit for Governor Adeleke’s electoral triumph. He argued that these individuals were seeking to "harvest what they never planted" and benefit from a victory to which they made no contribution.

"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," Wike stated, underscoring his disdain for such claims. He further emphasized that Governor Adeleke's recent official visits to both President Tinubu and himself served as clear and undeniable indicators of the Osun governor's true political allegiance. "So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President," Wike firmly declared, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding Adeleke's loyalty.

According to the FCT Minister, the ongoing political realignment process is still in its nascent stages, with more significant developments expected in the near future. He predicted that additional political groups and factions would soon join forces with those already openly supporting 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 prognosticated, hinting at a grander political tapestry forming.

The former Rivers State governor also vehemently dismissed any assertions that the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections has already been definitively shaped or decided. He maintained that the electoral contest remains open, stating, "You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded." In a pointed remark, Wike also directed criticism towards former presidential candidate and prominent publisher, Dele Momodu, particularly regarding Momodu's reported support for the ADC and Governor 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 quipped, seemingly mocking Momodu's perceived attempts to influence Adeleke's political alignment.

Reaffirming Governor Adeleke’s integral position within his political faction, Wike unequivocally declared their collective and undivided support for President Tinubu. "Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother," he concluded, reinforcing the bonds of political camaraderie and loyalty. Wike's outspoken comments were delivered merely a day after Governor Adeleke had paid him a visit in Abuja, during which Adeleke formally presented his Certificate of Return to the FCT minister. This significant visit itself followed an earlier, pivotal meeting between the Osun State Governor and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously presented Governor Adeleke with his Certificate of Return on a Wednesday, following his victory in the August 15, 2022, Osun State governorship election. In that election, Governor Adeleke garnered an impressive 511,067 votes, successfully defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, came in third with 17,180 votes. Governor Adeleke's electoral success has undeniably intensified political calculations and strategies among various political parties and blocs as they actively explore potential alliances and realignments in anticipation of the keenly contested 2027 general elections.