Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council is ‘rehabilitation centre for corruption suspects’ – ADC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asserted that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke belongs to his political faction, while emphasizing that all citizens belong to President Bola Tinubu. The declaration came during an inspection tour in Abuja, where Wike addressed journalists regarding Adeleke's recent interactions with both him and Tinubu. This follows Adeleke’s visit to Wike in Abuja and subsequent meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. Adeleke, who recently secured his re-election as governor of Osun State, presented his Certificate of Return to Wike, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Adeleke’s victory in the August 15, 2026, governorship election, where he received 511,067 votes compared to APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji’s 444,815 and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam’s 17,180, has intensified political maneuvering. Wike claimed that Adeleke’s alignment with Tinubu is evident through his actions, including visiting both the president and himself. He dismissed claims by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that they contributed to Adeleke’s success, calling such assertions baseless and suggesting they sought to capitalize on past efforts without contributing meaningfully. Wike described the upcoming 2027 election as one of the most complex in Nigerian history, predicting broader coalitions and increased political collaboration. He noted that more groups are likely to align with Tinubu, forming a “larger rainbow coalition.” This sentiment was reinforced by his assertion that the election is far from decided, despite early signs of consolidation around Tinubu. Wike also criticized former presidential candidate Dele Momodu, accusing him of making unfounded claims about Adeleke’s potential alignment with the ADC. Meanwhile, the ADC has launched a critique against Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council, labeling it a “rehabilitation center for corruption suspects.” The party highlighted the inclusion of individuals like Betta Edu and Ngozi Olejeme, both of whom face unresolved corruption allegations. According to ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the council appears to prioritize political alliances over transparency and accountability, raising concerns about the administration’s handling of past investigations. Edu, a former minister, was suspended in 2024 over allegations of misusing funds, while Olejeme faces charges related to financial misconduct during her tenure at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. Abdullahi emphasized that the appointments should prompt the government to clarify the status of these cases, questioning whether they have been resolved or merely sidelined. He accused the Tinubu administration of allowing investigations into financial crimes to fade before the accused return to public life, undermining public trust in the administration’s anti-corruption efforts. Despite these criticisms, the ADC maintained that the 2027 election will ultimately reflect the performance of Tinubu’s administration rather than the composition of his campaign team. Political observers suggest that the dynamics between Wike, Adeleke, and Tinubu represent a broader trend of strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 polls. With multiple factions vying for influence, the race is shaping into a high-stakes contest where alliances and loyalty will play critical roles. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the coming months are expected to witness further shifts in power and positioning, with implications for the nation’s future governance.