Veteran journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, has told Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that he is not competing with anyone over his support for Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

Momodu made the position known on Saturday in an X post responding to Wike’s comments on Adeleke’s political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike had said Adeleke belonged to his political camp and was fully supporting President Bola Tinubu. He also criticised Momodu over his reported support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Adeleke.

The FCT minister made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja, where he discussed Adeleke’s recent visits to him and President Tinubu.

Wike said the 2027 election would witness broader political alliances and predicted that more politicians and groups would join the coalition supporting Tinubu.

He said, “I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election. I have told ADC who are talking about, oh, they helped Adeleke to win, they just wanted to go ahead and harvest what they never planted, you know.”

According to Wike, Adeleke’s meetings with him and Tinubu were evidence of the governor’s political direction.

He said, “So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President.”

Wike further said the political movement was still developing and urged Nigerians to expect more groups to join the alliance backing Tinubu.

He said, “And so, we went to bed last night and encouraged ourselves to continue. And the next few weeks, watch what is going to happen. You will see a larger rainbow coalition in this country supporting Mr President.”

The former Rivers State governor also rejected suggestions that the 2027 election had already been decided.

He said, “You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded.”

Wike subsequently directed his criticism at Momodu, questioning where the publisher would stand politically and referencing his connection to Ile-Ife.

He said, “I don’t know where Dele Momodu will be now. Every time you see him on television, he was born in Ife thinking that will make Adeleke come to your side.

In his response, Momodu said his support for Adeleke was based on the governor’s performance and not personal friendship or financial considerations.

The publisher also explained that his ties to Osun State predated the current political contest, tracing his connection to Ile-Ife, where he was born on May 16, 1960, three days after Adeleke.

Momodu said his father, Jacob Momodu, had moved from Ihievbe, now in Edo State, to Ile-Ife, where he met and married his mother, who was from Gbongan Olufi in present-day Osun State.

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He said he completed his education in Ile-Ife up to a master’s degree between 1966 and 1988, with periods spent working different jobs, describing the ancient city as the foundation of his life.

He wrote, “I was born in the ancient town (now a modern city, courtesy of GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE) on May 16, 1960, three days after the birth of my “Twin Brother”, ADEMOLA ADELEKE)…
My adventurous father JACOB MOMODU had navigated his way from the old Mid Western village of IHIEVBE (now in EDO State) to ILE-IFE, where he met my adorable mother, from GBONGAN Olufi, in today’s OSUN State, and they got married, and I’m the only child of their union. They were prayer warriors who imbibed the spirit of love and contentment in me…
I had all my education in Ile-Ife, up to a Master’s degree, (from 1966-1988) with intermittent breaks for different jobs that prepared me for a future of global fame and fortune. ILE-IFE was my rock…

Momodu said his stake in Osun State was not dependent on who occupies the governorship, adding that his backing of Adeleke was motivated by what he described as the governor’s “superlative performance”.

He wrote, “I will forever remain a major stakeholder in OSUN State, regardless of whoever is Governor. I supported ADEMOLA ADELEKE, not because he is my friend, or pecuniary gains, but for the glaring evidence of his superlative performance.

Addressing those who may seek to claim ownership of Adeleke’s support, Momodu said he was not interested in a political contest with anyone. He also highlighted his distance from government and political power despite his access to influential people.

He wrote, “Those who wish to claim ownership now are welcome. I’m not in competition with anyone. I’m proud of my glorious heritage. I have never been in government or power, despite my uncommon ACCESS to men and women of influence. I thank my parents for their love and spiritual fortification. I’m a child of DESTINY… AND I KNOW WHO I’M…
MR WIKE, cool temper. Life is not determined only by power and wealth. Remember Tomorrow…“