2027: ‘I never said collect money to buy votes, only a political motivation’ – Wike defends N10m promise to FCT councillors

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to give each Abuja councillor N10 million for delivering their respective wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Wike described the proposed payment as a reward for political mobilisation, insisting that it was not an attempt to buy votes.

The minister made the clarification while speaking with journalists in Abuja during an inspection of ongoing projects in the FCT.

Wike had on Monday challenged councillors to ensure that President Tinubu secures victory in their respective wards during the 2027 elections, promising to give each of them N10 million if they meet the target.

However, defending the promise, the minister maintained that the financial incentive was meant to encourage political mobilisation ahead of the elections, rather than influence voters through money.

Wike made the promise during a rainbow coalition stakeholders’ meeting attended by traditional rulers, political stakeholders and residents in the Kwali area council of the FCT.

Doubling down on his earlier remarks, the FCT minister juxtaposed his promise with a parent’s pledge to purchase a car or house for a child who graduates with a first-class degree from the university.

Wike said he did not ask the FCT councillors to collect money to purchase votes during the elections.

The FCT minister added that reward system is a global practice, noting that politicians in other climes also hand incentives to facilitate political mobilisation.
“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.
“Media houses collect millions for prime-time advertisement slots to let voters know what candidates offer, but when you tell your constituents or party workers you will reward their hard work, critics call it bribery.”

The FCT minister dismissed allegations that opposition parties are not being given the level playing field to campaign due to restriction of access to facilities.

“Who is not allowing the opposition to campaign? I know they held a rally the other day in a state stadium,” the FCT minister said.

“In Rivers, I don’t think anybody has complained to you that we are not allowing them to campaign.

“Let them go to the main stadiums, mobilise, and talk to the people.”

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