Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says his promise to splash out N10 million to each councillor in Abuja they win their wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections is reward for political mobilisation and not vote buying.
Speaking with reporters in Abuja during monitoring of ongoing projects, Wike compared his promise with a parent’s pledge to purchase a car or house for a child who graduates with a first-class degree from the university.
Wike noted that he did not ask the FCT councillors to collect money to purchase votes during the elections.
He further said that reward system is an international practice, stating that politicians in other countries also give incentives to facilitate political mobilisation.
“It is only trained journalists or reasonable persons who understand the difference between a reward and a bribe,” NAN quoted the minister as saying.
“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.
“Vote-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.”
The FCT minister brushed aside allegations that opposition parties are not being given the level playing field to campaign due to restriction of access to facilities.
“Who is not allowing the opposition to campaign? I know they held a rally the other day in a state stadium,” the FCT minister said.
“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 stadiums, mobilise, and talk to the people.”
