Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his major concern after the Osun governorship election was whether Governor Ademola Adeleke would keep his promise to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Wike said he contacted Adeleke after the election and asked him to publicly reaffirm his support for Tinubu.
The minister disclosed this on Wednesday during his monthly media interaction with selected journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Adeleke, who contested the August 15 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party, defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, by more than 60,000 votes.
The governor won 19 of the 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in the remaining 11.
Wike Reveals Conversation with Adeleke
Wike said he was outside Nigeria on election day but contacted Adeleke from Croatia after the results were announced.
“After the Osun election, you can go on record and ask Adeleke. I called him when I was in Croatia. I said, you told me you would support Mr President. He said, yes,” Wike said.
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According to the minister, he urged Adeleke to issue a statement reaffirming his support for Tinubu and also advised him to present his certificate of return to the president.
“I said, now you have won, issue a statement that you will still support Mr President, thanking him for a free and fair election.
“He issued the statement. I also told him, Adeleke, when you receive your certificate of return, go and present it to Mr President,” he added.
‘My Strategy Was to Discourage ADC From Using Adeleke’
Wike said his strategy was partly aimed at preventing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from attracting Adeleke into its fold following his victory.
“Why was that strategy? To knock off these people you call opposition, coming to curry favour. When Adeleke issued that statement, ADC withdrew,” he said.
The minister said he was particularly interested in ensuring that Adeleke honoured his commitment to support Tinubu after securing a second term.
“My concern was, if Adeleke wins, will he still support Mr President? That was my interest, so I called him,” Wike said.
“I said, listen, you have told me you will support Mr President. Are you going to keep to it? He said he was going to keep to it. I wished him good luck.”
Wike added that his political strategy was focused on ensuring Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.
“Anywhere I sit, my strategy, my thinking is: how will the president win this election?” he said.
Tinubu had congratulated Adeleke on his victory and later received him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the governor presented his certificate of return to the president.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.