‘Being Born In Ife Won’t Make Adeleke Join You’ – Wike Taunts Dele Momodu

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected suggestions that the outcome of the 2027 general election has already been determined, insisting that the political contest remains open.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, Wike made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja.

The FCT minister said the political landscape ahead of the 2027 election was still evolving, noting that more political groups could align with the camp supporting President Bola Tinubu.

Wike stressed that the election was far from being concluded, urging Nigerians to pay attention to the political developments expected in the coming months.

The minister also took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher Dele Momodu over his reported support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Wike questioned whether Momodu’s reported connection to Ile-Ife, where Adeleke has strong roots, would influence the governor’s political decisions.

He said Momodu should not assume that being born in Ife would automatically make Adeleke align with his political camp.

Wike’s comments came shortly after Adeleke visited him in Abuja and presented his Certificate of Return following his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.

The Osun governor had earlier met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa before visiting the FCT minister.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return after he secured victory in the election.

Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who recorded 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.

The recent meetings have sparked political speculation over Adeleke’s position ahead of 2027, although his camp has dismissed reports suggesting that he is planning to defect to the APC.