Adeleke Won Because Tinubu Allowed Free, Fair Election, Says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Governor Ademola Adeleke won the recent Osun State governorship election because President Bola Tinubu allowed the poll to be free and fair.

Wike made the assertion on Tuesday while speaking during an inspection tour of flood-affected areas in the Federal Capital Territory.

Reacting to the August 15 election, the minister dismissed claims that the Federal Government manipulated the poll, arguing that Tinubu allowed the democratic process to take its course.

He said the President’s decision to allow the election to proceed without federal interference demonstrated his commitment to democracy.

“The President called him… congratulating him (Adeleke). What does it tell you? If Tinubu did not allow a free and fair election, would they have won? No!” Wike said.

The minister also rejected claims that the Federal Government deployed its influence to determine the outcome of elections.

Drawing from his experience of previous political contests, Wike said those making such claims should distinguish between allegations of federal might and the actual conduct of elections.

He urged political observers not to interpret the outcome of an off-cycle governorship election as an indication of what would happen in the 2027 presidential election.

Adeleke of the Accord Party defeated the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the Osun election.

The governor polled 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes, winning 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while the APC candidate secured 11.

Wike’s comments come amid ongoing political debate over the conduct of the Osun election and its implications for the 2027 general elections.