African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has dismissed Nyesom Wike’s claim that he could have helped the All Progressives Congress (APC) win the Osun State governorship election. Momodu said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would not have been able to change the outcome, even if he had personally travelled to Osun to support the ruling party.
Wike had earlier suggested that he would have gone to Osun and worked for an APC victory if President Bola Tinubu had wanted the party to win the election “at all costs.” Speaking on News Central Television on Wednesday, Momodu described Wike’s claim as an “empty boast”.
“When I listened to him, I had to respond instantly because I knew that was an empty boast. If he had been in Osun, he would not have achieved anything,” Momodu said.
Momodu Challenges Wike’s Political Influence
Momodu also questioned the extent of Wike’s political influence, especially when compared with other senior figures who supported the APC during the Osun election. The former PDP chieftain pointed to the Senate President and several APC governors who travelled to the state to support the party. Despite their efforts, the ruling party could not secure victory.
“He is not bigger than the Senate President and all the governors who carried themselves to Osun to try to deliver Osun to the APC,” he said.
The ADC chieftain further mocked Wike’s suggestion that he could have delivered Osun for the APC. He argued that such a claim overstated the minister’s ability to control electoral outcomes. Momodu said political office holders do not have absolute control over voters. He also recalled the performance of members of the former PDP G-5 governors during the 2023 elections.
According to him, some of the governors later lost their bids for the Senate. He said their experience showed that political influence does not automatically translate into control over voters.
“So, that is to tell you that governors don’t have the power of life and death,” he said.
He then used a sarcastic comparison to question how Wike could deliver multiple states when political outcomes depend on voters.
“Wike would have to divide himself into 36 states plus Abuja for him to perform the kind of magic he thinks he can perform.”
Momodu Raises Concern Over 2027
Momodu also warned that Wike’s comments should not be ignored as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election. He described the statement as particularly concerning because of the political tension that could surround the next election.
“But the danger in his statement must be noted, especially as we approach January 2027,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Osun governorship election was won by Accord Party candidate Ademola Adeleke, who polled 511,067 votes. APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji came second with 444,815 votes. Momodu ultimately described Wike’s original claim as “unusual, uncommon and unfortunate” for a serving minister of the Federal Republic.
Read also: Wike: Adeleke won Osun election because Tinubu allowed free, fair poll
