By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr 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.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday after he inspected some ongoing projects, Wike dismissed criticisms that the incentive amounts to vote-buying or bribery.

Wike 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, 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.

Drawing a comparison to international political practices, Wike cited high-profile political incentives abroad, including recent public mobilisation initiatives in the U.S. by billionaire Elon Musk, to argue that rewarding performance is standard global practice.

The minister also turned his sights on media coverage, specifically criticising 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.

Wike highlighted the economic impact of the ongoing projects, noting that thousands of residents were currently gainfully employed and feeding their families through the administration’s infrastructure drive.

He maintained that the performance of  President Bola Tinubu speaks for itself and serves as the primary tool to win over voters.

“Look at the residences here now; look at the number of people that are employed, earning salaries and feeding their families. Our focus is to sell our program to the people,” he added.

Wike also dismissed allegations from opposition parties claiming that political opponents were given a level playing field to canvas for votes, possible denial of access to campaign facilities or restricted from holding rallies ahead of upcoming polls.

The minister insisted that democratic space remains open to all qualified participants.

“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 stadiums, 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,” Wike said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza