ABUJA, NIGERIA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he personally advised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to issue a public statement thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and present his Certificate of Return to the Villa following his re-election victory.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a media parley in Abuja aired on Channels Television, Wike explained that the strategic move was designed to seal political commitments and dismantle opposition momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Core Explanations Provided by Wike
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Direct Telephone Advice from Croatia: Wike disclosed that while traveling in Croatia, he called Governor Adeleke after the Osun State governorship election to hold him to his prior commitment to support President Tinubu.
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Public Statement Directive: The FCT Minister instructed Adeleke to issue an official press statement thanking President Tinubu for ensuring a free, fair, and non-interfering electoral process.
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Presenting the Certificate of Return: Wike also advised the Osun Governor to formally visit the Presidential Villa in Abuja to hand over his Certificate of Return directly to President Tinubu as a gesture of political alignment.
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Outmaneuvering the Opposition Coalition: Wike stated that his advice was part of a calculated strategy to disrupt opposition alliances: “What was that strategy? To knock off these people you call coalition coming to curry favor. When Adeleke issued that statement, ADC withdrew.”
“After that election, go and ask Adeleke… I said, ‘You told me you support Mr. President?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Now you have won, issue a statement. Issue a statement that you still will support Mr. President, and thanking him for a free and fair election.’ I also told him, ‘Adeleke, when you receive your Certificate of Return, go and present it to Mr. President.'”
— Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
