The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his proposed ₦10 million reward for councillors who successfully mobilise support and secure their respective wards ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the offer is meant to recognise hard work rather than facilitate vote-buying.
Wike made the clarification on Tuesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, where he dismissed criticisms surrounding his promise. He maintained that rewarding political mobilisation was different from giving voters money in exchange for their votes.
The minister had reportedly pledged ₦10 million to each councillor who delivers their ward during the forthcoming elections, a move that has sparked debate and raised concerns about its implications for the electoral process.
However, Wike insisted that he never instructed the councillors to distribute money to voters or influence their electoral choices. Instead, he challenged them to demonstrate dedication and work towards achieving their political targets.
“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.
To defend his position, Wike drew comparisons with incentives offered to athletes who win international competitions, arguing that promising rewards for exceptional performance is a common way of encouraging dedication and hard work.
He recalled instances where athletes are promised houses and other benefits for returning from competitions with trophies, questioning why similar incentives in politics should be automatically regarded as bribery.
The FCT minister also faulted some media organisations for what he described as a failure to differentiate between legitimate performance-based rewards and electoral inducement.
He argued that political parties and candidates regularly spend money on campaign advertisements and other promotional activities without attracting the same level of criticism.
Wike urged journalists to make a clear distinction between financial incentives intended to influence voters and rewards offered to political mobilisers for meeting specific targets.
His comments come amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as he maintained that effective mobilisation should be driven by commitment, performance and the ability to convince the electorate.
During the inspection tour, the minister also expressed satisfaction with the progress of several ongoing infrastructure projects, including Interchange Section 2 (ISEX 2), the Southern Parkway and the S1 Road, which features a fire station.
He disclosed that the projects were expected to be completed by December 15, ahead of the January 16, 2027 general elections.
Wike further argued that the infrastructure developments recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration would serve as a major selling point for the government’s re-election campaign.
He maintained that his support for Tinubu was based on the administration’s developmental achievements rather than political party considerations, adding that Nigerians who desire meaningful progress should support policies and programmes capable of advancing national development.
