Adeleke’s Victory Attributed to Non-Interference in Osun Election

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike stated that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke secured his re-election because President Bola Tinubu ensured a free and credible voting process without federal interference.

Speaking during an inspection tour of flood-affected areas in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike dismissed allegations that the central government attempted to manipulate the August 15 governorship poll. He highlighted the President’s prompt congratulatory call to the opposition winner as evidence that the administration permitted democratic institutions to function independently. Wike cautioned against using off-cycle state elections to predict outcomes in national presidential contests, noting that local political dynamics operate differently.

Adeleke, contesting under the Accord Party, won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes. The incumbent secured majorities across 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, establishing a margin of 66,252 votes.

Addressing environmental concerns in the capital during the same tour, Wike called for a balanced view on recurring urban flooding rather than political grandstanding. He noted that major structural encroachments on waterways causing drainage blockages were primarily built by wealthy property owners over several years, requiring collective responsibility between officials and residents to resolve effectively.