They Cry Manipulation Whenever They Lose’ — Wike Reacts To Osun Election Fallout

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commented on the outcome of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, dismissing allegations of government interference in electoral processes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner of the election held on August 15, 2026.

Adeleke secured victory in 19 local government areas, while his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won 11 local government areas.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said opposition parties often accuse the government of manipulating elections whenever they suffer defeat, while celebrating their victory when they emerge successful.

He argued that the administration of President Bola Tinubu should instead be commended for allowing electoral processes to operate without interference.

“When they lose, they claim the government manipulated the process; when they win, they show off their might. It does not work that way.”

Wike maintained that the government had allowed electoral institutions to conduct elections independently.

“From what I have seen, this government allows processes to run their own way, and they must be given credit for that.”

The FCT Minister also said defeating an incumbent government at the national level would require a well-organised and established opposition with a clear strategy.

According to him, opposition parties need to spend years building their structures rather than constantly seeking alliances with other political parties.

“To remove a government, you need a strong, vibrant opposition that has spent over four years planning, not one that is constantly looking for a party to join.”

Wike further distinguished between governorship and presidential elections, noting that local factors often influence state-level contests.

He, however, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election.

“Governorship elections rely on local variables, but a national election is a completely different ballgame. If it is this 2027 election against Bola Ahmed Tinubu, forget it. It is over.”