Posted by Chinenye on Tue 10th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended his promise to give councillors N10 million if they help their party win their wards in the 2027 elections.
(Minister Nyesom Wike. Photo by Arise News)
The Minister Nyesom Wike says he never told councillors to buy votes with the N10 million he promised for delivering their wards in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Tuesday during an inspection of Abuja infrastructure projects, he said he only asked them to work hard, show commitment and prove it at the polls.
Rewards would come after they win.
He compared the promise to the rewards athletes get for winning medals, asking why such incentives should be seen as bribery in politics.
He also said the media should explain the difference between rewards for mobilisers and money given to buy votes.
He added that political parties routinely spend heavily on advertising without the same scrutiny.
Wike also gave an update on three projects he visited: Interchange Section 2, the Southern Parkway and the S1 Road, which includes a fire station.
He said they are due for completion by 15 December, ahead of the 16 January 2027 general elections.
He said the government's infrastructure record gives President Tinubu a strong case for re election.