Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised ₦10 million to each councillor who successfully mobilises support for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in their wards during the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the pledge on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, where he urged councillors to engage youth groups, community associations and political leaders to secure electoral support for the ruling party.
He said the proposed reward would go to councillors who deliver their wards to the APC, adding that they should begin consultations and mobilisation ahead of the elections.
The minister also endorsed Tinubu for re-election, alongside Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.
Wike’s remarks have attracted criticism on social media, with several Nigerians questioning the proposed payment and describing it as an attempt to influence electoral support. Some commenters also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and anti-corruption agencies to examine the statement, while others questioned the source of the promised funds.
Some reactions focused on the contrast between the proposed ₦10 million reward and the monthly earnings of councillors. During the meeting, their representative, Gambo Hamza, disclosed that councillors earned ₦260,000 monthly, prompting Wike to promise to look into their salaries.
Several social media users questioned why such a large sum was being offered to secure political support when communities continued to face challenges involving healthcare, electricity and other public services.
Others described the pledge as vote buying and argued that voters, rather than political office holders, should determine the outcome of elections. Some commenters also raised concerns about whether public funds would be used to finance the proposed rewards.
## Wike Highlights FCT Projects
Defending his administration’s record, Wike listed more than 270 kilometres of roads constructed across satellite towns in the FCT, including 95 kilometres in Kwali Area Council.
He said some ongoing projects would be inaugurated in December and credited Tinubu with establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointing a Head of Service and granting financial autonomy to area councils.
The minister also defended the provision of new sports utility vehicles to first-class traditional rulers in the FCT, insisting that the traditional institutions deserved respect and adequate support.
Meanwhile, APC FCT Chairman Ishaku Yamawo and PDP FCT Chairman Mohammed Dogara reportedly commended Wike’s efforts and pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election.
