Wike Says Tinubu Ensured Free and Fair Osun Election, Adeleke Could Have Joined APC

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stated on Tuesday that Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State might have been a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) "if things had worked out well," while asserting that President Bola Tinubu allowed a free and fair process in the recent gubernatorial election. Wike made the remarks during a press conference and while inspecting flood-prone areas in Abuja on August 18, 2026.

Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in President Tinubu's administration, addressed the outcome of the Osun State governorship poll held on August 15. Governor Adeleke, the PDP candidate, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), securing 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes. Adeleke won 19 of the state's 30 local government areas.

Responding to the result, Wike dismissed allegations of federal manipulation. "The President called him [Adeleke] congratulating him. What does it tell you? If Tinubu did not allow a free and fair election, would they have won? No!" Wike stated. He argued that the election outcome...