The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his N10 million reward to councillors who deliver their wards to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election is to motivate them to work hard and not bribery as critics have said.
He made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja after inspecting some ongoing projects.
He insisted that critics and media analysts were confusing legitimate reward systems designed to drive hard work with corrupt practices.
Addressing the controversy sparked by his announcement during a town hall meeting in Kwali on Monday, Wike clarified that the monetary pledge was strictly a reward for political commitment and mobilisation, rather than funds earmarked to compromise voters.
“It is only trained journalists or reasonable persons who understand the difference between a reward and a bribe.
“You tell your son, ‘I want a first class from you. Get a first class, and you get a house or a brand new car. Just go and work hard.’
“That is what we are bringing. I didn’t say take this money and go and buy voters; I said go and work and show commitment,” he explained.
The minister criticised some television anchors for framing political campaign incentives as illegal inducements while profiting heavily from political campaign advertisements.
“Votes buying is giving someone money to go and vote for a specific candidate.
“Media houses collect millions for prime-time advertisement slots to let voters know what candidates offer, but when you tell your constituents or party workers you will reward their hard work, critics call it bribery,” he said.
He also dismissed allegations from opposition parties, claiming that political opponents were given a level playing field to canvass votes, possible denial of access to campaign facilities or restricted from holding rallies ahead of upcoming polls.
“Who is not allowing the opposition to campaign? I know they held a rally the other day in a state stadium. In Rivers, I don’t think anybody has complained to you that we are not allowing them to campaign.
“Let them go to the main stadia, mobilise, and talk to the people,” he said.
He reiterated that his current priority remains national development rather than partisan squabbles, calling on well-meaning Nigerians to support the president’s vision.
“What I am concerned about is the development of the country. You don’t need to play partisan politics before you contribute your quota to national development.
“Everybody who wishes this country well will naturally support what the President is doing.”
