Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to reward councillors with N10 million each if they successfully mobilise political support and deliver their respective wards ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the offer is an incentive for hard work rather than an attempt to buy votes.
This followed public backlash, with critics accusing the minister of vote-buying and attempting to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.
Wike made the clarification on Tuesday during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, where he dismissed the allegations, maintaining that rewarding political mobilisation was different from offering voters money in exchange for their support.
The former Rivers governor insisted that he never instructed the councillors to distribute money to voters or induce them to support any particular candidate, but challenged them to demonstrate commitment through effective grassroots mobilisation.
“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 said.
To explain his position, Wike compared the proposed reward to incentives offered to athletes for outstanding performances at international competitions, noting that promises of houses and other benefits were often used to encourage sporting excellence.
He questioned why similar performance-based incentives in politics should automatically be interpreted as bribery.
The minister also criticised sections of the media for what he described as a failure to distinguish between rewards for political mobilisation and financial inducements intended to influence voters.
He argued that political parties and candidates routinely spend money on campaign advertisements and other activities without attracting similar scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, including Interchange Section 2 (ISEX 2), the Southern Parkway and the S1 Road, which incorporates a fire station.
He said the projects remained on course for completion by December 15, ahead of the January 16, 2027 general elections.
According to him, the infrastructure achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration would provide a strong basis for its re-election campaign.
Wike further maintained that his support for Tinubu was driven by development rather than party affiliation, stressing that Nigerians who genuinely desire progress should support policies and programmes aimed at national development.