Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has strongly defended his initiative to award councillors N10 million each for ensuring President Bola Tinubu wins their respective wards in the upcoming 2027 general election.
Wike, who described the proposed payment as an incentive for political mobilisation, maintained that it was not intended to induce voters or influence their choices at the polls.
According to The Nation, the minister spoke on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, where he dismissed criticism of the offer and accused some media organisations of failing to distinguish between rewarding political workers and vote-buying.
He said he had asked the councillors to demonstrate commitment and work towards delivering their wards, rather than distribute money to voters.
“I didn’t tell them, ‘Take this money and go and buy votes.’ I said, ‘Go and work. Show commitment. Demonstrate that you really mean what you are talking about. When you win, come, and we are going to reward you,” he said.
Wike compared the proposed reward to incentives given to athletes who win international competitions, arguing that promises of houses and other benefits are often used to motivate outstanding performances.
He questioned why financial rewards for political mobilisation should attract accusations of bribery when similar incentives for sporting achievements are generally accepted.
He maintained that the councillors would have to earn the proposed reward through hard work, commitment and their ability to convince voters to support Tinubu in 2027.
On the infrastructure projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on Interchange Section 2 (ISEX 2), Southern Parkway and S1 Road, which includes a fire station.
He said the projects were progressing according to schedule and were expected to be completed by December 15, ahead of the January 16, 2027 general election.
The minister added that the infrastructure projects being executed by the Tinubu administration would form part of its campaign message for re-election, saying the government’s development record would provide a basis for seeking another term.
Wike further maintained that his support for Tinubu was based on development rather than party affiliation, urging Nigerians who want progress to support policies and programmes directed at national development.
Yesterday, Wike had announced a N10 million reward for councillors who deliver their respective political wards for President Bola Tinubu in the January presidential election.
He described the initiative as a competition among councillors, urging them to mobilise political leaders and supporters in their respective wards to ensure the president’s re-election.
“For the councillors, you have a task. I will hold a meeting with you again and I will now say the way I am going to mobilize you but I will give you a bet, like what is happening in the stars, it’s a competition,” he said.
Explaining the financial incentive, the minister said the Rainbow Coalition had adopted the arrangement as part of its mobilisation efforts across the country, with the FCT expected to lead the campaign.
“Any councillor that delivers his ward will come and take N10 million. We want to mobilize for Mr President. So, go to your wards, go and see your leaders,” Wike said.
He urged the councillors to work with political leaders in their communities, insisting that their influence would be instrumental in securing support for Tinubu.
What You Should Know
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is facing scrutiny over his promise to give N10 million to councillors who successfully deliver their wards for President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Wike has strongly pushed back against critics, arguing that the money is meant to motivate political mobilization and hard work rather than to induce voters at the polling booths.
- Positive Impact: It encourages grassroots political workers to actively mobilize voters and campaign based on developmental achievements.
- Potential Concerns: Critics worry that such high-value financial incentives could blur the lines between legitimate political mobilization and electoral inducement.
