“Any councillor that delivers his ward will get N10 million”: Wike’s 2027 incentive

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised to reward councillors with N10 million each if they deliver their political wards to President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The promise was made on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, where he urged the councillors to mobilise residents and community groups for the party, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE PROMISE

Wike did not mince words. “Any councillor that delivers his ward will get N10 million reward,” he said. “Therefore, go and meet your leaders, go and meet your youth groups, and go and consult with associations. Let’s deliver our ward to Mr President” .

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THE ENDORSEMENTS

At the event, Wike also endorsed Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.

THE WELFARE QUESTION

Wike also addressed the welfare of councillors, responding to an appeal by the Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Gambo Hamza. He said he would meet with the permanent secretary and other relevant offices to look into their remuneration and try to bypass bottlenecks so their welfare could improve .

THE ANALYTICAL LENS

There is a fine line between mobilisation and inducement, and Wike’s promise is dancing on it.On one hand, the Minister is offering a reward for political work.

Councillors are expected to mobilise voters in their wards. If they deliver, they get a bonus. This is not unusual in Nigerian politics, where financial incentives for campaign work are common.

On the other hand, N10 million is a significant sum. It is more than many councillors earn in a year. The promise of such a reward, made publicly, at a political meeting, raises questions about whether it is a legitimate campaign expense or a form of vote-buying.

The distinction matters. Vote-buying is illegal. Mobilisation is not. But the line between them can be blurry, especially when cash is involved.Wike has made his promise.

The councillors have heard it. And the people of the FCT will decide whether it is a reward for hard work or a price for loyalty. ValidViewNetwork reports.