Adeleke belongs to us, while Tinubu owns us all – Wike

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, belongs to his political camp, while declaring that they all belong to President Bola Tinubu.

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Wike made the statement on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja, as he commented on Adeleke’s recent visits to him and President Tinubu amid political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

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The FCT minister said the 2027 presidential election would be characterised by extensive political alliances, insisting that more politicians and groups would join the coalition supporting Tinubu.

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Wike said some members of the African Democratic Congress were attempting to claim credit for Adeleke’s electoral victory, but argued that the governor was now fully aligned with Tinubu.

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He said, “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.”

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According to Wike, Adeleke’s decision to visit Tinubu and himself showed where the Osun governor’s political allegiance lay.

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He said, “So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President.”

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Wike added that the political realignment was still unfolding, saying Nigerians should expect more groups to join the alliance supporting the President.

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He said, “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.”

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The former Rivers State governor also dismissed suggestions that the 2027 political contest had already been settled.

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He said, “You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded.”

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Wike then took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher, Dele Momodu, over his reported support for the ADC and Adeleke.

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He said, “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.”

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Wike concluded by asserting Adeleke’s allegiance to his political camp and their collective loyalty to Tinubu.

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“Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother,” he said.

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Wike’s comments came a day after Adeleke visited him in Abuja and presented his Certificate of Return to the FCT minister.

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The visit followed Adeleke’s meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission had on Wednesday presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return following his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.

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Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes.

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Adeleke’s victory has heightened political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and political blocs seeking alliances and realignments.

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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.

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The FCT minister’s latest remarks further fuelled speculation about the growing political realignment involving Adeleke, Wike and the Tinubu camp.

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