The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations that his promise of N10 million to councillors who deliver their wards in the 2027 general elections amounts to vote-buying. Speaking during an infrastructure project inspection in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Wike insisted that the funds were intended as an incentive for hard work and effective grassroots mobilisation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The controversy began after Mr Wike announced that the Rainbow Coalition, a political support group, had introduced the financial incentive to rally grassroots support for the president. During a meeting with stakeholders, traditional leaders, and political actors in the Kwali Area Council on Monday, Mr Wike stated that any councillor who delivers their ward would receive N10 million.
Defending the initiative on Tuesday, Mr Wike drew a comparison with athletes who are promised property or financial rewards for winning international sporting trophies. He argued that critics and sections of the media had wrongly conflated legitimate political rewards with electoral bribery.
Mr Wike urged journalists to distinguish between financial inducements aimed directly at swaying voters and performance-based rewards promised to political organisers who meet specific targets. He stated that campaigns routinely incur legitimate expenses such as advertising without facing equivalent scrutiny.
During the inspection tour of the Interchange Section 2, the Southern Parkway, and the S1 Road, Mr Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction. He stated that the projects remained on track for completion by December 15, ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Mr Wike added that his endorsement of President Tinubu's administration was rooted in infrastructure delivery rather than partisan loyalty. He asserted that citizens committed to national progress should support developmental achievements.
The FCT Minister's comments come as his administration continues to implement various projects aimed at improving infrastructure in the nation's capital. With the 2027 general elections approaching, the issue of vote-buying and legitimate political incentives is likely to remain a contentious topic.
Key points
- The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations that his promise of N10 million to councillors who deliver their wards in the 2027 general elections amounts to vote-buying.
- Wike stated that the funds were intended as an incentive for hard work and effective grassroots mobilisation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
- The FCT Minister's administration continues to implement various projects aimed at improving infrastructure in the nation's capital.
