Wike’s Osun election remark draws fresh criticism as observers call it scandalous, vile, others seek prosecution
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The statement by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that President Bola Tinubu could have deployed him to Osun State if he wanted the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the governorship election “at all costs” has sparked widespread criticism.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party won the closely contested election against the APC’s Bola Oyebamiji, who came second.
Speaking at a press conference shortly after the election, Wike said: “If the president had wanted to win the Osun State election at all costs, I would have been there and we would have won it, and there’s nothing the governor can do.”
An editorial by Premium Times described Wike’s comment as “scandalous.”
It said: “The scandalous statement by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, that if the president had desired to win Osun State ‘at all cost,’ ‘he would have been there, and we would have won it, and there’s nothing the governor can do,’ is nothing short of the sort of impunity that stands condemned.
“It is a clear alert, and a poster of the vile and wiles of a few that undermine the integrity of elections. We hold dearly the orthodox principle of one person, one vote in an election. This principle must not be allowed to degenerate into a farce if Nigerian democracy is to survive.”
On X, @adamabbaaji called for Wike’s comment to be investigated under Section 132 of the Electoral Act, describing the minister as “a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.”
He said: “Wike’s remarks are on record and should be investigated under Section 132 and other relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. Section 132 criminalizes threats, force, duress and fraudulent devices used to interfere with the free exercise of the vote, carrying a penalty of three years’ imprisonment if convicted.
“In a society governed by the rule of law, no political figure should feel emboldened to speak as though election results can be predetermined. Yet Wike apparently believes he can make such statements without consequence.
“This man is a threat to democracy in Nigeria. He has already gravely undermined democracy in Rivers State and played a central role in weakening Nigeria’s largest opposition party. He represents a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.”
Public affairs commentator Isaac Fayose, in a video posted on Facebook, said his “stomach rumbles” at Wike’s confidence.
