The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dangled a N10 million reward before councillors who deliver their respective wards to President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the promise on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Rainbow Coalition in Kwali Area Council, where traditional rulers, political stakeholders and residents gathered.
He challenged the councillors to mobilise youths, community leaders and various associations to secure victory for the APC at the grassroots.
“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 declared.
The minister also reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition while endorsing Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.
Expressing confidence in the APC’s chances, Wike boasted that Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji were already secured for the ruling party.
He said he was confident of the areas delivering massive votes for Tinubu in 2027, adding that political leaders should be judged by their performance rather than promises.
WIKE ATTACKS OPPOSITION OVER ATIKU’S COURT DEFEAT
The FCT minister also took a swipe at opposition figures, accusing them of hypocrisy over their reactions to judicial decisions.
He cited the opposition’s response to the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its subsequent reaction to a court decision voiding the party’s presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to Wike, opposition politicians celebrated the judiciary when court decisions favoured them but turned against the courts whenever they suffered a setback.
He recalled how opposition figures described the judiciary as the last hope of democracy after favourable rulings, only to accuse President Tinubu’s administration of manipulating the courts when decisions went against them.
He questioned why the same judiciary was celebrated as independent when the opposition won but accused of destroying democracy when it lost.
DEFENDS SUVs FOR TRADITIONAL RULERS
Wike also fired back at critics questioning the provision of brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to first-class traditional rulers in the FCT.
Dismissing allegations that the vehicles were political inducements or bribes, he insisted that traditional rulers deserved respect and dignified treatment.
He questioned why traditional rulers should be expected to travel in public buses while government officials and political appointees enjoyed official vehicles.
Wike maintained that his administration would continue to provide for traditional institutions despite criticism from political commentators.
BOASTS OF 270KM ROADS, WARNS FCT RESIDENTS AGAINST VOTING MISTAKE
The minister further listed infrastructure projects and administrative reforms under Tinubu’s administration as reasons FCT residents should support the APC in 2027.
He said more than 270 kilometres of roads were being constructed across the satellite towns, with Kwali accounting for about 95 kilometres.
According to him, the ongoing road projects are nearing completion and would be inaugurated in December.
Wike also highlighted the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of an FCT Head of Service, financial autonomy for area councils and improvements to traditional institutions as major achievements of the current administration.
He lamented what he described as decades of neglect of the FCT, noting that despite its estimated population of six to seven million, the territory had only one senator and two members in the House of Representatives.
“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.
Meanwhile, Wike has promised to look into the salaries of FCT councillors following complaints that they earn only N260,000 monthly.
The Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Gambo Hamza, had appealed to the minister to intervene over their remuneration.
Wike promised to examine the matter.
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