The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to give N10 million to councillors who secure support for President Bola Tinubu in their wards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike said the proposed payment was a reward for political mobilisation and not an attempt to buy votes.
He stated this on Tuesday while responding to criticism during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.
The minister maintained that he did not ask councillors to give money to voters but urged them to work with community leaders, youth groups and associations to mobilise support for Tinubu.
Wike said the councillors would be rewarded if they demonstrated commitment and successfully delivered their wards for the President.
He compared the proposed incentive to rewards given to athletes who win international competitions, questioning why a similar arrangement in politics should be regarded as vote-buying.
The minister also argued that political parties and candidates spend money on campaign advertisements without attracting similar criticism.
Wike had announced the N10 million offer on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Rainbow Coalition in Kwali Area Council, where he urged councillors to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the councillors were expected to work with political leaders and other stakeholders in their respective wards to secure support for the President.
