By Prevail Inegbenose
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has offered ₦10 million to each councillor who delivers his or her ward for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Wike announced the incentive during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abaji Area Council on Tuesday, where he challenged grassroots political leaders to secure electoral victories for the President in their respective wards.
The minister, who reiterated his commitment to rewarding electoral performance, said the financial incentive was intended to motivate political leaders to work harder for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I challenge you, go and vote for Tinubu in your ward. If you win your ward, I will give you ₦10 million,” he declared.
Defending the offer against suggestions that it amounted to vote-buying, Wike compared the incentive to rewards given to people for outstanding performance in examinations and sporting competitions.
He maintained that the offer was designed to encourage political mobilisation rather than influence voters through the direct purchase of votes.
The minister also announced that the FCT Campaign Council would be inaugurated on Monday, November 16, to coordinate issue-based campaigns across the territory ahead of the elections.
The Abaji engagement brought together political leaders from the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), traditional rulers, community representatives and other stakeholders under the Rainbow Coalition platform.
Wike used the occasion to highlight ongoing development projects in the area, particularly the proposed Abuja University of Science and Technology, Abaji, assuring residents that the institution would be completed and commence operations during his tenure.
He also directed his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, to engage the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to establish the financial requirements for restoring stable electricity supply to the area.
The minister said the power intervention was necessary to support small businesses, artisans, hairdressers, barbers and other residents whose livelihoods had been affected by poor electricity supply.
“We cannot fold our hands and see you suffer. So, that suffering has therefore ended today,” Wike said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, pledged the area’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, while urging the minister to ensure the completion and inauguration of the university and restoration of electricity.
The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, also pledged support for the President’s re-election.
Representatives of women and youths, however, called for greater inclusion in government appointments, skills acquisition programmes and other opportunities.
The FCT APC Chairman, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, and his PDP counterpart commended Wike for fostering cooperation between the two parties in the territory.
