From Premium Times Nigeria · Agency Report · · 1m 40s
Wike defends N10m incentive to councillors
Nyesom Wike slams bribery claims over N10m councillor reward pledge.
In brief
Nyesom Wike slams bribery claims over N10m councillor reward pledge. Nyesom Wike defended his N10 million incentive for councillors to deliver electoral wards to President Tinubu in 2027, calling critics' accusations of vote-buying misleading. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Wike defends N10m incentive
Nyesom Wike clarified the N10 million cash reward was strictly for political commitment and mobilisation, not vote-buying.
“It is only trained journalists or reasonable persons who understand the difference between a reward and a bribe.”
Slams critics over bribery claims
Wike dismissed accusations that the incentive amounts to vote-buying or bribery, calling critics' framing misleading.
“Votes buying is giving someone money to go and vote for a specific candidate.”
Reward system explanation
Wike compared the incentive to international practices, including Elon Musk's U.S. public mobilisation initiatives.
“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.'”
Media criticism
Wike accused television anchors of framing political campaign incentives as illegal inducements while profiting from ads.
“Media houses collect millions for prime-time advertisement slots to let voters know what candidates offer.”
Economic impact
Wike highlighted thousands of residents employed and feeding families through infrastructure projects.
“Look at the residences here now; look at the number of people that are employed, earning salaries and feeding their families.”
President's performance
Wike maintained President Tinubu's actions speak for themselves as the primary tool to win voters.
“Our focus is to sell our programmes to the people.”
Opposition access
Wike denied opposition parties were denied campaign facilities or rallies ahead of polls.
“Who is not allowing the opposition to campaign? I know they held a rally the other day in a state stadium.”
National development focus
Wike prioritised national development over partisan politics, urging support for President Tinubu's vision.
“What I am concerned about is the development of the country.”
2027 election context
The incentive targets councillors delivering electoral wards to President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his offer of a n10 million cash reward to councillors who successfully deliver their respective electoral wards to president bola tinubu in the 2027 election.”
Wike's clarification
Wike stressed the reward was for political commitment, not funds to compromise voters.
“I didn’t say take this money and go and buy voters; I said go and work and show commitment.”
Media's role
Wike criticized media for framing incentives as illegal inducements while profiting from campaign ads.
“Media houses collect millions for prime-time advertisement slots to let voters know what candidates offer.”
Opposition access claim
Wike stated opposition parties held rallies without complaints about campaign restrictions.
“In Rivers, I don’t think anybody has complained to you that we are not allowing them to campaign.”
National development priority
Wike emphasized national development over partisan politics for all citizens.
“Everybody who wishes this country well will naturally support what the President is doing.”
The key point
Nyesom Wike defended his N10 million incentive for councillors to deliver electoral wards to President Tinubu in 2027, calling critics' accusations of vote-buying misleading.
