Wike defends N10m promise to councillors, dismisses vote-buying claims

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike defended his promise to reward councillors with N10 million each for supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, emphasizing that the incentive is for hard work and commitment, not vote-buying. Speaking after an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike clarified that he did not instruct councillors to use the funds to purchase votes, but rather encouraged them to demonstrate commitment through effective political mobilization.

He compared the reward to incentives given to athletes, arguing that the gesture was meant to promote hard work and dedication. Wike also criticized sections of the media for failing to differentiate between legitimate rewards and vote-buying, stating that political parties and candidates commonly spend money on campaign advertisements without facing the same scrutiny.

The minister's stance followed backlash over his announcement at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting, where he pledged to provide N10 million to every councillor who successfully secured voter support for Tinubu and other APC candidates. Wike urged councillors to mobilize residents, emphasizing that his support for Tinubu’s administration is based on development goals rather than party loyalty.