APC Clears Wike’s N10m Ward Incentive

​The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed allegations of vote-buying regarding the N10 million reward pledged by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to councillors who secure victory for President Bola Tinubu and other party candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

​Speaking during a recent media briefing, Yilwatda maintained that the financial incentive is strictly a post-election reward designed to motivate grassroots mobilisation rather than an inducement to compromise voters.

• ​Mobilisation Strategy: The APC chairman argued that political parties globally deploy resources for grassroots engagement, comparing the incentive structure to academic rewards for high-achieving students.

• ​Timing of Payout: Emphasizing that the funds are designated for disbursement only after results are declared and legal hurdles settled, Yilwatda insisted the arrangement cannot influence individual voting behavior.

• ​Wike’s Stance: The FCT Minister earlier defended the pledge made during a stakeholders’ gathering in the Kwali Area Council, clarifying that grassroot foot soldiers were tasked with consulting community groups and youth leadership rather than purchasing ballots.

​On broader political concerns ahead of the polls, Yilwatda dissociated the ruling party from incidents of electoral violence and reiterated the APC’s commitment to transparent, free, and fair democratic processes. Meanwhile, the party leadership noted that legislative decisions—such as the choice of future principal officers—would remain the exclusive prerogative of elected lawmakers.

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