Wike’s Controversial N10m Reward to Councillors in FCT
That the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is the most active politician ahead of the 2027 general election is not in doubt. The minister is doing everything
Minister Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is making headlines ahead of the 2027 general election, as he offers a substantial N10 million reward to councillors in the FCT who secure votes for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates. Wike made this promise during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders' meeting with traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and residents in Kwali Area Council.
He urged councillors to mobilize residents and community groups to support the APC's candidates, emphasizing that the incentive was for hard work and not vote-buying. However, many analysts argue that the offer constitutes vote-buying and potentially breaches Section 125 of the Electoral Act, 2026. They point out that vote-buying can occur before, during, and after elections, as incentivizing councillors with substantial sums to deliver their wards clearly falls into this category.
Critics compare Wike's gesture to the controversial offer made by former US President Donald Trump, where voters received $5,000 each to secure Republican wins in Congress. Wike has been vocal about his desperation to ensure Tinubu's victory in 2027, warning that if Atiku or Peter Obi win, he would be in trouble.
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