Wike Offers N10m to FCT Councillors for Tinubu's Support in 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has promised N10 million to each councillor who brings their political ward to support Tinubu and other APC candidates in the territory during the presidential election on January 16, 2027.

Mr Wike made this announcement at a meeting with stakeholders, traditional rulers, and locals in Kwali Area Council on Monday.

While revealing his grassroots strategy for the upcoming elections, the minister rejected claims that politics is too expensive. He expressed his commitment to directly empowering those on the ground.

"Any councillor that delivers his ward will get N10 million reward. Therefore, go and meet your leaders, go and meet your youth groups, go and consult with associations. Let’s deliver our ward to Mr President," he urged.

Mr Wike stated that the Rainbow Coalition, which he established, is focused on serving the interests of FCT residents. He praised the grassroots network for helping to unite political factions and push for effective representation and development.

He criticized opposition parties and politicians for their double standards and hypocrisy regarding the nation’s judiciary.

The minister targeted critics who condemned court rulings, especially the one that overturned the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

He pointed out how the opposition changes its tone depending on court outcomes. "When ADC had a matter in court and won at the Supreme Court, they said, ‘The court is the last hope,’ ‘The court has saved democracy,’ and ‘We know our judiciary will not fail us.’

"But when they lost a court case, it became: ‘The president is using the court to fight the opposition.’ When it is good for you, the judiciary is clear. When it is bad, you claim they are using it to destroy democracy. What kind of system are we operating?" he questioned.

Local Governance Defense

Moving to local governance, Mr Wike defended his recent decision to give brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to first-class traditional rulers in the FCT, which some political commentators have criticized.

He dismissed claims that these vehicles are bribes or inducements, arguing that traditional leaders should be treated with dignity and respect.

"You want a first-class traditional ruler to be walking on the road with a stick in hand, taking public buses so they can get hit by a car one day? But you expect Chief Press Secretaries to Governors, Chairmen, and Presidents to ride SUVs?" he asked.

"Instead of using their platforms to support good things, critics turn it upside down. We will provide for our traditional rulers, and nothing will come out of their complaints," he added.

Mr Wike reassured residents that his administration is committed to grassroots development. He highlighted important infrastructure projects ongoing in the satellite towns.

He mentioned that over 270 kilometres of roads are being built, with 95 kilometres completed in Kwali alone.

He stated that the ongoing road projects across the satellite towns are almost done and should be inaugurated in December.

He urged voters to support President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections based on proven performance.

Mr Wike called for total support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. He also backed Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.

"I don’t need to preach to you any longer. The one you are seeing is what you follow, not the one that will give you unfulfilled promises. I will go to sleep tonight because I know Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji are 100 per cent for APC," he declared.

Highlighting Achievements

Mr Wike contrasted Tinubu’s inclusive governance with past administrations. He listed significant achievements under this administration.

Some achievements include establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointing an FCT Head of Service, granting financial autonomy to area councils, and upgrading infrastructure in satellite towns.

He pointed out that despite having a population of six to seven million, the FCT has long been overlooked, with only one Senate seat and two House of Representatives slots compared to smaller states.

"For 50 years, nobody could remember you. The president has changed the narrative, given you your own civil service, allowed you to employ your people, and elevated your traditional stools. You cannot afford to make a mistake in 2027," he warned.

Mr Wike also agreed to look into councillors’ salaries in the FCT after a complaint from Gambo Hamza, the Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT Chapter.

Mr Hamza said councillors in the FCT earn N260,000 monthly and asked Mr Wike for help.

APC Chairman in the FCT, Ishaku Yamawo, praised Mr Wike for bringing political stakeholders together and promoting development across the territory.

His PDP counterpart, Mohammed Dogara, thanked Mr Wike for his good work in the territory and promised massive support to ensure Tinubu’s victory.

Aliyu Baka, speaking for Rainbow Coalition stakeholders in the FCT, expressed regret over the mistakes made in the 2023 elections. He said the coalition is ready to ensure total victory for their candidates and Mr Tinubu.