Abuja — Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s promise of ₦10 million to every councillor who delivers their ward for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections has triggered sharp criticism, with opponents describing the incentive as a form of vote-buying or electoral inducement.
Wike made the pledge on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council attended by traditional rulers, political leaders and residents. He urged councillors to mobilise community leaders, youth groups and associations, stating: “Any councillor that delivers his ward will get N10 million reward. Therefore, go and meet your leaders, go and meet your youth groups, go and consult with associations. Let’s deliver our ward to Mr President.”
The offer, which could total hundreds of millions of naira if many of the FCT’s roughly 60–62 councillors succeed, quickly drew accusations that it amounts to an improper financial inducement aimed at securing electoral support. Critics argued that promising large cash rewards tied to electoral outcomes undermines the integrity of the process and risks violating provisions of the Electoral Act that prohibit corrupt gifts, promises or benefits intended to influence votes or procure electoral success.
On Tuesday, November 10, Wike rejected the vote-buying label. Speaking while inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, he insisted the money was a post-election reward for hard work and political mobilisation, not funds to be distributed to voters. “I didn’t tell them, ‘Take this money and go and buy votes.’ I said, ‘Go and work. Show commitment. Demonstrate that you really mean what you are talking about. When you win, come and we are going to reward you,’” he said. He compared the incentive to rewards given to athletes who win international competitions.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda also defended the plan, describing it as a legitimate mobilisation incentive that would be paid only after results are declared, not before the election.
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about the role of money in Nigerian elections. While supporters frame such rewards as standard political motivation for grassroots organisers, opponents maintain that large cash promises linked to delivering votes or wards cross into inducement territory and raise questions about the source of the funds.
No formal legal challenge or official investigation into the offer had been publicly announced as of Tuesday. Wike has continued to push for strong APC performance in the FCT ahead of 2027, while also addressing related issues such as councillors’ salaries during the same engagements.
The debate is expected to intensify as political activities for the next general elections gather pace.
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