The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to give N10 million to councillors who deliver their wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the money is a reward for political mobilisation and not an attempt to buy votes.
Wike said he never asked the councillors to use the money to induce voters but challenged them to work hard and convince residents to support the President.
He spoke on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, where he responded to criticism over the financial reward.
He said he only asked the councillors to work hard, demonstrate their commitment and mobilise support, promising to reward them if they succeeded.
Recall that the minister had announced the N10 million offer during a meeting with political stakeholders, traditional leaders and councillors in Kwali Area Council on Monday.
He explained that the offer was part of the Rainbow Coalition’s grassroots mobilisation strategy to secure support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike said the councillors were expected to work with party leaders and other political stakeholders in their wards to mobilise voters for the President.
Defending the arrangement, he compared it to rewards given to athletes who win trophies at international competitions, questioning why a similar incentive in politics should be regarded as vote-buying.
Wike argued that political parties and candidates spend money on campaign advertisements without attracting similar criticism.
“Journalists should understand the difference between giving voters money to influence their decisions and rewarding people for political mobilisation,” he added.