Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stirred fresh political debate after declaring that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke now belongs to his political camp, while insisting that they all remain loyal to President Bola Tinubu.
Wike made the statement on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja, against the backdrop of growing political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments came shortly after Adeleke visited both Wike and President Tinubu in Abuja, fuelling speculation about the governor’s political direction following his victory in the recent Osun governorship election.
According to Wike, the political landscape ahead of 2027 is still taking shape, and Nigerians should expect more alliances and political groups to align with the Tinubu camp in the coming weeks.
The former Rivers State governor dismissed suggestions that the African Democratic Congress and its supporters should take credit for Adeleke’s electoral victory. He argued that those who supported the Osun governor during the election should not assume that their assistance automatically gives them political control over his next move.
Wike’s remarks appeared to be directed at elements within the ADC who have claimed a role in Adeleke’s victory.
“I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election,” Wike said, insisting that some political actors were attempting to “harvest what they never planted.”
The FCT minister further interpreted Adeleke’s recent visits to Abuja as evidence of a developing relationship between the Osun governor and the President.
“So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President,” Wike declared.
He subsequently made the statement that has become the major talking point from his remarks: “Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President.”
The declaration has immediately added fuel to ongoing discussions about political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Adeleke’s political position has attracted considerable attention since his victory in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election. The governor secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.
The Independent National Electoral Commission subsequently presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return.
Shortly after receiving the certificate, Adeleke visited Wike in Abuja and presented him with a copy of the document. The visit came after he had also met President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Those meetings have generated considerable political interest because of the uncertainty surrounding the alliances that will shape the 2027 elections.
Wike has maintained that the political realignment is far from complete. He predicted that the coalition supporting Tinubu would become significantly broader in the coming weeks, describing the expected alliance as a “larger rainbow coalition.”
“You will see more,” Wike said, adding that the 2027 contest was far from being concluded.
His comments also appeared to target former presidential candidate and publisher Dele Momodu, who has been associated with the ADC and has expressed support for Adeleke.
Wike questioned whether Momodu would continue to maintain his position following Adeleke’s recent engagements with Tinubu and other political figures.
The exchange reflects the increasingly fluid nature of Nigerian politics as politicians reassess their alliances ahead of the next presidential election.
At the same time, Adeleke’s political camp has previously insisted that working with the Federal Government does not necessarily mean abandoning his political platform or joining the ruling APC. His campaign spokesman had earlier said the governor would not join the APC but would continue to cooperate with the Federal Government in the interest of Osun State.
This distinction could become increasingly important as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.
Wike himself remains one of the most influential political figures associated with the emerging coalition around President Tinubu. Although he was a prominent member of the PDP and served as governor of Rivers State under the party, he became part of the Federal Government after Tinubu appointed him FCT minister.
His political stance has repeatedly generated debate within the PDP and across the wider opposition landscape.
The minister’s latest comments suggest that he believes the political calculations of 2027 will extend beyond traditional party boundaries.
Rather than relying solely on party structures, politicians may increasingly seek alliances across political parties, regions and ideological groupings.
For Adeleke, his recent interactions with Tinubu and Wike have created a new political narrative following his successful defence of his position in Osun State.
Whether the governor will formally align himself with the Tinubu administration or simply maintain a working relationship with the Federal Government remains a matter of political interest.
For now, Wike appears convinced that Adeleke’s political direction is becoming clearer.
His statement that “Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President” has therefore become a striking reflection of the political manoeuvring already underway ahead of 2027.
With more than a year still to go before the general elections, Nigeria’s political landscape could witness several more alliances, defections and realignments.
