Wike Offers N10 Million to Councillors for 2027 Elections

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, announced a pledge of N10 million to each ward councillor in Abuja who successfully delivers their ward to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This announcement was made during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council.

With 62 political wards in the FCT, fulfilling this promise could cost up to N620 million, prompting debates about campaign finance transparency and the potential misuse of public resources. Critics, including legal experts, argue that this promise may violate Nigeria’s Electoral Act, specifically Section 125(1)(a), which prohibits financial inducements to influence voting outcomes.

Legal professionals warn that labeling the payment as a "political mobilization reward" does not exempt it from legal scrutiny, emphasizing the need to examine the true intent behind such financial promises.