APC Chairman Defends Wike’s N10m Reward for Councillors Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended the N10 million reward promised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to councillors who deliver their wards for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda said the money was intended to motivate councillors and would only be paid after the elections, once the results had been established.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the APC chairman explained that Wike’s offer was directed at councillors in the Federal Capital Territory, where there are more than 60 council wards.

Asked whether the promise amounted to voter inducement, Yilwatda dismissed the suggestion, arguing that political parties routinely provide funds for mobilisation.

“Which political party doesn’t release money for mobilisation? Which political party? So, tell me one. No, it’s not for votes. The same reward for you to deliver Tinubu in your ward,” he said.

He maintained that the timing of the payment was important, insisting that the money would not be distributed before the election.

According to him, the reward would only be given after the election had been concluded, the winner declared and all legal processes completed.

When asked directly whether he considered the arrangement vote-buying, Yilwatda responded, “Never.”

Wike had made the promise during a political meeting in Kwali Area Council, offering N10 million to each councillor who delivers their ward for Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

The APC chairman also addressed questions about the possibility of Senate President Godswill Akpabio retaining his position if he wins re-election in 2027.

Yilwatda said the decision would ultimately rest with senators, adding that he had no preferred candidate for the position.

“Let’s wait for the election first. I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine who they want to make the Senate President,” he said.

On reports of electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APC chairman expressed sympathy for anyone injured during political activities and said his party supported free and fair elections.

He, however, said he did not believe APC supporters should be responsible for such incidents.

“If anybody is injured by anybody across the country, I’m sure it shouldn’t be by APC supporters. I pity anybody who is being injured, and I sympathise with them. Our party stands for free and fair elections,” he said.