By Joyce Ekeh
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise of N10 million to councillors who deliver their respective wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the money is a reward for political mobilisation and not an inducement to buy votes.
Wike, who dismissed criticisms of the offer, said he never instructed councillors to give money to voters in exchange for electoral support but challenged them to demonstrate commitment by mobilising their communities for the President.
“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.
The minister spoke on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, where he responded to public criticism of the N10 million incentive.
At a meeting with political stakeholders, traditional rulers and councillors in Kwali Area Council on Monday, Wike had announced the reward as part of a grassroots mobilisation strategy under the Rainbow Coalition to secure support for Tinubu’s re-election.
He had told the councillors that anyone who delivered his ward for the President would receive N10 million.
“Any councillor that delivers his ward will come and take N10 million. We want to mobilise for Mr President,” Wike had declared.
He urged the councillors to engage community leaders and other grassroots stakeholders, describing them as instruments for mobilising support across their respective wards.
Defending the arrangement on Tuesday, Wike argued that rewarding political mobilisation should not automatically be interpreted as vote-buying.
To illustrate his position, he cited athletes who receive promises of houses and other benefits for winning trophies at international competitions, questioning why similar incentives in politics should attract criticism.
He also accused sections of the media of failing to distinguish between legitimate rewards for performance and financial inducements designed to influence voters.
According to him, political parties and candidates routinely spend money on campaign advertisements without attracting similar scrutiny.
The minister urged journalists to examine the circumstances surrounding financial incentives in politics, insisting that electoral mobilisation should be based on commitment, performance and the ability to persuade voters.
Wike expresses satisfaction with Abuja projects
Meanwhile, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT, including Interchange Section 2 (ISEX 2), the Southern Parkway and the S1 Road, which incorporates a fire station.
He said the projects were progressing as planned and expressed confidence that they would be completed by December 15, ahead of the January 16, 2027 general elections.
The minister maintained that the infrastructure achievements of the Tinubu administration would provide a strong basis for its re-election campaign.
Wike also insisted that his support for the President was driven by development considerations rather than party affiliation, arguing that Nigerians interested in national progress should support policies and programmes that promote development.
