Wike Defends ₦10m Offer to Councillors, Says It's a Reward for Political Work

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected accusations of vote-buying over his promise to pay councillors ₦10 million each if they secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in their wards during the 2027 elections. Wike made the announcement at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, where traditional rulers, political representatives, and residents gathered. He urged councillors to approach community leaders, youth groups, and associations to build support for Tinubu.

Wike argued that the proposed payments would reward political work, maintaining that he had not instructed councillors to 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. This statement was made during an inspection of construction projects in Abuja on Tuesday, 10 November.

The minister compared the arrangement with incentives offered to athletes before international competitions. He argued that promises of houses and other benefits encouraged athletes to perform, questioning why a reward tied to political mobilisation should attract allegations of bribery. Wike also endorsed Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.

Wike criticised sections of the media over their treatment of the offer, arguing that journalists should distinguish between payments promised to political organisers for their work and money offered directly to voters in exchange for electoral support. He cited spending on campaign advertisements as another form of political expenditure, questioning why parties and candidates could pay for publicity while his proposed reward attracted accusations of vote-buying.

During the inspection, Wike reviewed work on the ISEX 2 road project, Southern Parkway, and S1 Road, which includes a fire station. He expressed satisfaction with construction progress and said contractors were working towards completion by 15 December. The minister placed that deadline ahead of the general elections scheduled to begin on 16 January 2027.

Wike argued that infrastructure delivered under Tinubu’s administration would give supporters a record on which to campaign for the President’s re-election. He said development, rather than party membership, informed his support for Tinubu. The minister urged Nigerians to support government policies and projects on the basis of their contribution to the country’s progress.

Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the pledge to TheCable. The minister’s statement has sparked debate over the role of money in politics and the distinction between legitimate political expenditure and vote-buying. As the 2027 elections approach, Wike’s comments are likely to remain a topic of discussion among politicians, media, and the general public.

Key points

• Wike defends ₦10m offer to councillors as a reward for political work, not vote-buying.