Wike Reveals Why Adeleke Thanked Tinubu After Osun Victory

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explained why Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke publicly thanked President Bola Tinubu after winning the state’s August 15 governorship election.

Wike disclosed this on Wednesday during a media parley aired by Channels Television, while discussing his relationship with Adeleke and his position during the election.

The minister said his main concern was whether Adeleke, who had previously told him that he supported Tinubu, would maintain that position if he won the election.

Wike said he contacted Adeleke while he was in Croatia and asked whether he would continue supporting the President after the election.

According to him, Adeleke confirmed that he would maintain his support, after which Wike wished him success and decided not to travel to Osun for the election.

Wike said he subsequently asked Adeleke to publicly reaffirm his support for Tinubu and thank the President for what he described as a free and fair election.

He also told Adeleke to present his Certificate of Return to Tinubu after receiving it from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Wike said the steps formed part of his political strategy to counter the opposition coalition seeking to gain influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He claimed that Adeleke’s public statement of support for Tinubu affected the political calculations of the opposition coalition, including the withdrawal of the African Democratic Congress from the race.

Adeleke, who contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, defeated the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, according to results announced by INEC.

Adeleke polled 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes, winning 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas.

After his victory was declared, Adeleke thanked Tinubu for congratulating him and praised the President for ensuring what he described as a democratic process.

Wike maintained that his intervention was aimed at ensuring Adeleke’s political position remained consistent with his stated support for the President.