Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected claims that his promise of N10 million to councillors who deliver their wards in the 2027 general elections amounts to vote-buying, saying the money is a reward for demonstrated commitment and effective mobilisation.
Speaking on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said he never instructed the councillors to use the funds to purchase votes. “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 stated.
The minister was responding to criticism of remarks he made the previous day while addressing stakeholders, traditional leaders and political actors in Kwali Area Council. There, he framed the offer as part of a grassroots mobilisation strategy by the Rainbow Coalition in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He told the councillors that any of them who successfully delivers his ward would receive N10 million. Wike described the arrangement as a form of competition and mobilisation support, urging the councillors to work with their local leaders to secure the wards for the president.
On Tuesday, Wike drew a distinction between rewarding political mobilisers for meeting targets and offering money directly to voters. He compared the incentive to the practice of promising houses or other benefits to athletes who win international competitions, questioning why a similar approach in politics should automatically be labelled bribery.
He also criticised sections of the media for failing to differentiate legitimate performance rewards from vote-buying, noting that parties and candidates routinely spend money on campaign advertisements without similar scrutiny. Wike maintained that effective mobilisation depends on commitment, performance and the ability to persuade voters rather than financial inducements at the ballot box.
During the same outing, the minister expressed satisfaction with progress on Interchange Section 2 (ISEX 2), the Southern Parkway and the S1 Road, which includes a fire station. He said the projects are on course for completion by December 15, ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. Wike argued that the administration’s infrastructure record would form a strong basis for its re-election campaign.
He added that his support for the Tinubu administration is driven by development rather than party loyalty, and called on Nigerians who want progress to back policies aimed at national development.
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