Wike Defends N10m Reward for FCT Councillors Mobilising Support for Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to give N10 million to councillors who mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the offer is a reward for political mobilisation and not an attempt to buy votes.

Wike said he did not instruct the councillors to give money to voters or influence their electoral decisions. Instead, he challenged them to work with political stakeholders and convince residents in their respective wards to support Tinubu.

The minister spoke on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, where he responded to criticism surrounding the financial incentive.

He explained that his promise was based on the councillors’ ability to demonstrate commitment and successfully mobilise grassroots support for the President.

Wike had announced the N10 million offer on Monday during a meeting with political stakeholders, traditional rulers and councillors in Kwali Area Council. He described the arrangement as part of the Rainbow Coalition’s grassroots mobilisation strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the minister, the councillors were expected to work alongside party leaders and other political figures within their wards to secure support for Tinubu.

Defending the offer, Wike compared political mobilisation rewards to incentives given to athletes who win trophies at international competitions. He questioned why rewarding political organisers should attract criticism when similar financial rewards are accepted in sports.

He also argued that political parties and candidates routinely spend money on campaign advertisements without facing the same level of scrutiny.

“Journalists should understand the difference between giving voters money to influence their decisions and rewarding people for political mobilisation,” he said.

His explanation follows public criticism of the proposed payments, with questions raised about the distinction between rewarding political mobilisation and offering financial incentives tied to electoral outcomes.

However, Wike maintained that the money was intended for the councillors’ political efforts and not for distribution to voters.