₦10m gift: Lawyer warns Wike, other politicians against electoral inducement
Legal Expert Cautions Against Electoral Financial Promises
CALABAR, Nigeria – Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a constitutional lawyer and public affairs commentator, has issued a warning to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and other politicians regarding the potential repercussions of making financial promises that could compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Ahiakwo’s remarks follow reports that Wike pledged ₦10 million to each councillor who successfully delivers their ward for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Wike characterized the offer as a form of political mobilization rather than an attempt to buy votes.
Despite this defense, Ahiakwo maintained that labeling such payments as mobilization rewards does not exempt them from legal examination. He emphasized that the purpose, circumstances, and intended application of these payments must be carefully scrutinized under the law.
In his statement, Ahiakwo referred to Section 125(1)(a) of the Electoral Act of 2026, which prohibits gifts or promises intended to influence an electoral outcome. He expressed concern over the notion that elected councillors should deliver their wards to political benefactors, asserting that the electorate, not politicians, should have ownership over their votes.
“No politician, regardless of their public office or influence, has proprietary rights over the electoral choices of citizens,” Ahiakwo stated. He highlighted that this controversy reveals a deeper underlying issue in Nigeria’s democracy, where certain political actors seem willing to disregard established regulations when they conflict with their interests.
Ahiakwo argued that the problem lies not in the absence of laws, but in the reluctance of some politicians to adhere to them. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify the boundaries between legitimate political mobilization and prohibited electoral inducements.
Additionally, he called for improved channels for reporting suspected electoral violations and stressed the importance of prompt investigations into credible allegations. He advised political parties to enhance their internal disciplinary measures and urged the National Assembly to strengthen oversight on campaign financing and electoral compliance.
Law enforcement agencies were also urged to conduct impartial investigations into suspected electoral offenses, regardless of the political stature of those involved, and to prosecute offenders when sufficient evidence is present.
Ahiakwo encouraged citizens and civil society organizations to actively document and report electoral violations. He stressed the need for stronger political education to discourage the commodification of votes.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Ahiakwo emphasized the need to ensure that this electoral cycle does not become an opportunity for politicians to test the limits of electoral laws. He asserted that Nigeria requires leaders who recognize that electoral success should be grounded in constitutional and legal frameworks, emphasizing that the repercussions of undermining democratic institutions could be felt for generations.
