The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced a N10 million reward for each councillor who delivers his or her political ward to President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress candidates in the territory during the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the pledge on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, attended by traditional rulers, political stakeholders and residents. The event served as the platform for the minister to unveil his grassroots mobilisation strategy ahead of the next general election.
A Direct Incentive for Ward-Level Delivery
Addressing the gathering, the minister dismissed critics who describe politics as too expensive, insisting instead on his commitment to empowering foot soldiers directly. He charged councillors to return to their communities and begin the work of mobilising support.
“Any councillor that delivers his ward will get N10 million reward. Therefore, go and meet your leaders, go and meet your youth groups, and go and consult with associations. Let’s deliver our ward to Mr President,” he urged.
Wike emphasised that the Rainbow Coalition, which he founded, works strictly for the collective interest of FCT residents. He praised the grassroots structure for bridging political divides and for championing effective representation and accelerated development across the territory.
Wike Faults Opposition Over Judiciary Comments
The minister also accused opposition parties and political figures of double standards and chronic hypocrisy regarding the nation’s judiciary. He took particular aim at critics who condemned court rulings, citing the verdict that voided the ticket of the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Drawing a contrast between the opposition’s reactions to different legal outcomes, Wike noted that their stance appears to shift depending on who wins in court.
“When ADC had a matter in court and won at the Supreme Court, they said, ‘The court is the last hope,’ ‘The court has saved democracy,’ and ‘We know our judiciary will not fail us,'” he said. “But when they lost a court case, it became: ‘The president is using the court to fight the opposition.’ When it is good for you, the judiciary is clear. When it is bad, you claim they are using it to destroy democracy. What kind of system are we operating?”
Minister Defends SUVs for Traditional Rulers
Turning to local governance, Wike defended his administration’s recent policy of providing brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles to first-class traditional rulers in the FCT, a decision that has drawn criticism from some political commentators.
He rejected allegations that the vehicles amount to political inducements or bribes, arguing instead that traditional leaders deserve dignity and respect.
“You want a first-class traditional ruler to be walking on the road with a stick in hand, taking public buses so they can get hit by a car one day? But you expect Chief Press Secretaries to Governors, Chairmen, and Presidents to ride SUVs?” he asked. “Instead of using their platforms to support good things, critics turn it upside down. We will provide for our traditional rulers, and nothing will come out of their complaints.”
Infrastructure Gains Across Satellite Towns
Reassuring residents of the administration’s commitment to grassroots development, the minister pointed to transformative infrastructure projects across the satellite towns. He noted that more than 270 kilometres of roads are being constructed, with 95 kilometres executed in Kwali alone.
According to Wike, the ongoing road projects across the satellite towns are nearing completion and will be inaugurated in December. He urged the electorate to reward proven performance with unwavering support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The minister rallied total support for Tinubu’s re-election bid while also throwing his weight behind Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.
“I don’t need to preach to you any longer. The one you are seeing is what you follow, not the one that will give you unfulfilled promises. I will go to sleep tonight because I know Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji are 100 per cent for APC,” he declared.
Landmark Achievements Under Tinubu
Contrasting what he described as Tinubu’s inclusive governance with past administrations, Wike listed landmark achievements recorded under the current administration. Among them, he identified the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of an FCT Head of Service, financial autonomy for area councils and massive infrastructural upgrades across the satellite towns.
He lamented what he called historical marginalisation, pointing out that despite a population of six to seven million, the FCT has long been shortchanged with only one Senate seat and two House of Representatives slots, compared with smaller states.
“For 50 years, nobody could remember you. The president has changed the narrative, given you your own civil service, allowed you to employ your people, and elevated your traditional stools. You cannot afford to make a mistake in 2027,” he warned.
Councillors’ Salaries Under Review
Wike also promised to look into councillors’ salaries in the FCT following a complaint raised by the Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Gambo Hamza. Hamza said councillors in the territory receive N260,000 as a monthly salary and appealed to the minister to intervene.
Party Leaders Applaud Wike’s Approach
In his remarks, the APC Chairman in the FCT, Ishaku Yamawo, applauded Wike for uniting political stakeholders across party lines and for successfully anchoring robust development throughout the territory.
His PDP counterpart, Mohammed Dogara, thanked the minister for what he described as exemplary work in the territory, assuring him of massive support to ensure Tinubu’s victory.
Aliyu Baka, who spoke on behalf of Rainbow Coalition stakeholders in the FCT, expressed deep regret over the 2023 electoral missteps and declared that the coalition was fully prepared to ensure total victory for their candidates and for President Tinubu.
