# Wike defends N10m incentive to councillors

> Nyesom Wike slams bribery claims over N10m councillor reward pledge.
- Title: Wike defends N10m incentive to councillors | Shortify
- Summary: Nyesom Wike slams bribery claims over N10m councillor reward pledge. Nyesom Wike defended his N10 million incentive for councillors to deliver electoral…
- Keywords: nyesom wike, councillors, n10m, 2027 election, president bola tinubu, bribery claims, political incentives, fct minister, Premium Times Nigeria
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/924126-wike-defends-n10m-incentive-to-councillors-slams-critics-over-bribery-claims.html
- Author: Agency Report
- Published: 2026-11-10T13:12:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nyesom wike, councillors, n10m, 2027 election, president bola tinubu, bribery claims, political incentives, fct minister, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.