N10M REWARD FOR COUNCILLORS WHO DELIVER WARDS FOR TINUBU IS NOT VOTE-BUYING – WIKE

FCT Minister says proposed reward is an incentive for political mobilisation and commitment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to reward councillors with ₦10 million each if they successfully deliver their respective wards for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Wike insisted that the proposed reward does not amount to vote-buying, describing it instead as an incentive to encourage political commitment, hard work and effective mobilisation.

The minister made the clarification on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.

According to him, he did not ask the councillors to use the money to induce voters but challenged them to demonstrate their political strength and commitment by working towards electoral victory.

He explained that the reward would only be given after the councillors had successfully delivered their respective wards, dismissing criticisms surrounding the announcement.

To support his position, Wike compared the proposed incentive to rewards given to athletes who win international competitions, arguing that promises of houses and other benefits are often used to motivate outstanding performances.

He also criticised sections of the media for what he described as a failure to distinguish between rewarding political mobilisation and financially inducing voters.

The FCT minister’s comments come amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as he continues to declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Speaking on the infrastructure projects inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on Interchange Section 2 (ISEX 2), Southern Parkway and S1 Road, which includes 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 maintained that the infrastructure projects being executed by the Tinubu administration would form part of the basis for the President’s re-election campaign.

He further argued that his support for Tinubu was driven by development rather than party affiliation, urging Nigerians to support policies and programmes aimed at national progress.