Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu allowed a free and fair election in Osun State, leading to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory.
Wike made the statement on Tuesday while inspecting flood-affected areas in the FCT, dismissing allegations that the Federal Government used its influence to help the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
According to the minister, Adeleke’s victory would not have been possible if Tinubu had sought to manipulate the election in favor of the APC.
“The President called him… congratulating him. What does it tell you? If Tinubu did not allow a free and fair election, would they have won? No!” Wike said.
He also rejected claims that federal might was deployed against the opposition, saying such allegations must be supported by evidence.
Wike said his own political experience had exposed him to the use of federal power in elections, adding that claims of federal interference should not be based on hearsay.
Adeleke, who contested on the Accord platform, defeated APC’s Oyebamiji in the August 15 governorship election, according to the results cited in the report.
Wike, however, cautioned against interpreting Adeleke’s victory as an indication of the likely outcome of the 2027 presidential election, noting that off-cycle governorship polls and presidential elections have different political dynamics.
The minister also addressed flooding in the FCT, urging residents and authorities to tackle the causes rather than politicize the problem.
He said blocked waterways and drainage channels had contributed to flooding in some areas and maintained that some of the illegal structures obstructing waterways were built by wealthy Nigerians.
Wike called for stronger enforcement of regulations against developments on waterways and other restricted areas.
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