Wike defends N10m reward for councillors, hits back at bribery claims

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to offer N10 million to councillors who help secure their electoral wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Wike spoke to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday after checking on some ongoing projects. He rejected claims that this cash reward amounts to vote-buying or bribery.

He said critics and media analysts are mixing up a proper reward system meant to encourage hard work with corrupt practices.

Addressing the uproar that followed his announcement during a town hall meeting in Kwali on Monday, Wike explained that the money is a reward for political commitment and mobilization, not a way to influence voters.

“It is only trained journalists or reasonable persons who understand the difference between a reward and a bribe.

“You tell your son, ‘I want a first class from you. Get a first class, and you get a house or a brand new car. Just go and work hard.’

“That is what we are bringing. I didn’t say take this money and go and buy voters; I said go and work and show commitment,” he said.

Comparing Practices

Wike also compared his actions to political incentives used in other countries. He pointed to recent public mobilization efforts in the U.S. by billionaire Elon Musk to argue that rewarding good performance is common worldwide.

He criticized media coverage, especially TV anchors, for portraying political campaign incentives as illegal while making money from political advertisements.

“Vote buying is giving someone money to go and vote for a specific candidate.

“Media houses collect millions for prime-time advertisement slots to let voters know what candidates offer, but when you tell your constituents or party workers you will reward their hard work, critics call it bribery,” he stated.

Wike highlighted the positive impact of ongoing projects, saying they have created jobs for many residents who are now able to feed their families.

He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu's performance speaks for itself and is key to attracting voters.

“Look at the residences here now; look at the number of people that are employed, earning salaries and feeding their families. Our focus is to sell our programmes to the people,” he added.

Addressing Opposition Claims

Wike also dismissed claims from opposition parties that they are not allowed to campaign or access facilities for rallies ahead of the upcoming elections.

He insisted that everyone qualified has the right to participate in the democratic process.

“Who is not allowing the opposition to campaign? I know they held a rally the other day in a state stadium. In Rivers, I don’t think anybody has complained to you that we are not allowing them to campaign.

“Let them go to the main stadia, mobilize, and talk to the people,” he said.

He reaffirmed that his main focus is on national development, rather than political arguments. He called on Nigerians to support the president’s vision.

“What I am concerned about is the development of the country. You don’t need to play partisan politics before you contribute your quota to national development.

“Everybody who wishes this country well will naturally support what the President is doing,” Wike concluded.