Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike says he has promised ₦10 million to FCT councillors who deliver their wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, and he denies that the pledge is vote-buying. Several outlets report that he made the promise in Kwali Area Council while speaking to local stakeholders, political actors and leaders.
The coverage centers on whether the reward is legitimate political mobilisation or an inducement to voters. Premium Times and Nigerian Eye describe Wike’s statement that councillors should consult and mobilise support to “deliver” their wards, and other reports frame the promise as tied to motivating councillors. Vanguard and Nigerian Eye also include a defence from APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, who argues that political parties typically fund mobilisation and that the money would be disbursed after elections and declared results, which he says distinguishes it from vote-buying.
Other outlets highlight criticism from opponents. Daily Post and other reports include allegations raised by commentators that the offer amounts to vote buying, while Wike and APC responses reject that characterisation and present the incentive as performance-based after the electoral process.
