Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to give councillors 10 million naira each for delivering their wards to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Wike spoke to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT.
He said the offer was a reward for political mobilisation and commitment, not an attempt to buy votes.
The minister maintained that he never instructed councillors to give money to voters but challenged them to mobilise support and demonstrate their commitment.
Wike also criticised sections of the media for describing the offer as vote-buying, arguing that political rewards should be distinguished from financial inducements to voters.
He had announced the 10 million naira reward on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, where he urged councillors to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu and other APC candidates.
