FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended his pledge of N10 million per ward for Abuja council members supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, framing the financial offer as an incentive for political activism rather than vote-buying.
While inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike told journalists that the promised funds do not constitute illicit electoral inducement.
The minister had announced the condition on Monday during a rainbow coalition stakeholders’ meeting in the Kwali Area Council, which brought together local political figures, community representatives, and traditional rulers.
Elaborating on his position, the FCT minister likened his promise to a parent offering a car or a home to reward a child who achieves a first-class degree.
Wike emphasized that he never instructed the FCT council members to collect funds for vote-buying ahead of the election.
He further noted that offering incentives is a standard global practice used by political figures worldwide to drive grassroots mobilization.
“It is only trained journalists or reasonable persons who understand the difference between a reward and a bribe,” NAN quoted the minister as saying.
“You tell your son, ‘I want a first class from you. Get a first class, and you get a house or a brand new car.’ Just go and work hard.
“That is what we are bringing. I didn’t say take this money and go and buy voters; I said go and work and show commitment.
“Vote-buying is giving someone money to go and vote for a specific candidate.
Backstory…
Recall that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, earlier promised a N10 million reward to each councillor across the country who delivers his ward for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 elections.
Wike made the pledge on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting that was attended by Kwali Area Council people, political stakeholders, and traditional rulers.
According to Channels TV, he asked council members to organize locals and community organizations to help the APC win their individual wards.
Read Also: Wike Promises N10m to Council That Secures Ward for Tinubu
