By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Nyesom Wike |
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared a ₦10 million cash incentive for any councillor who successfully secures their electoral ward for President Bola Tinubu and all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Wike announced the offer during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ gathering in Kwali Area Council, which brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, and political actors from across the territory.
Calling on local representatives to aggressively organize their constituencies, the minister urged councillors to build strong alliances with youth groups, local associations, and community leaders to guarantee a clean sweep for the ruling party.
“Any councillor that delivers his ward will get N10 million reward. Therefore, go and meet your leaders, go and meet your youth groups, go and consult with associations. Let’s deliver our ward to Mr President,” Wike asserted.
During the event, Wike formally declared his support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid and backed Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat alongside Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency. Expressing confidence in the party's grassroots strength across Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji, he noted that the visible development work in the territory speaks for itself.
Slamming Opposition "Hypocrisy" Over Judicial Rulings
The minister launched a sharp critique against opposition parties, accusing them of maintaining double standards when reacting to court decisions. Pointing to legal outcomes such as the Supreme Court judgment regarding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Wike argued that critics only praise the judiciary when rulings favor their interests.
“When ADC had a matter in court and won at the Supreme Court, they said, ‘The court is the last hope’... 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?” Wike questioned.
Defending SUV Allocations to Monarchs and Highlighting Infrastructure Growth
Wike strongly rejected claims that presenting brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to first-class traditional rulers in the FCT amounted to political inducement. He emphasized that traditional leaders deserve dignity, proper mobility, and respect rather than being subjected to public transportation hazards.
Highlighting ongoing development projects across satellite communities, the minister reported that over 270 kilometers of roads are under construction across the FCT—including 95 kilometers in Kwali alone—with several major stretches slated for commissioning this December.
Structural Reforms and Welfare Promises
Outlining key milestones under the current administration, Wike cited major structural reforms that historically eluded the territory, including, Establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission and appointing an FCT Head of Service.
Securing financial autonomy for area councils.
Upgrading traditional stools and expanding local administrative structures.
Responding to concerns raised by Gambo Hamza, Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria (FCT Chapter), regarding the ₦260,000 monthly compensation for local lawmakers, Wike pledged to review and address councillors' remuneration.
Political figures across party lines echoed support at the rally. FCT APC Chairman Ishaku Yamawo lauded Wike’s cross-party unification efforts, while PDP counterpart Mohammed Dogara and Rainbow Coalition representative Aliyu Baka both pledged firm support toward securing the territory for the ruling party in 2027.