N10m reward to motivate FCT councillors, not vote buying — APC chair defends Wike
By Adegboyega Adeleye
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended a pledge made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to award N10 million to councillors who successfully deliver their wards for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Yilwatda indicated that the reward aims to motivate councillors and would be disbursed once election results are confirmed.
“He was addressing approximately 60 councillors in the FCT upon making that statement,” Yilwatda noted.
When questioned about whether the promise could be perceived as vote inducement, Yilwatda rejected the notion, emphasizing that political parties commonly allocate funds for mobilization efforts.
“Which political party doesn’t release money for mobilization? Tell me one. It’s not for votes; it’s a reward for delivering Tinubu in your ward,” he said.
Yilwatda likened the offer to incentives for students achieving academic success, while underscoring the importance of the payment timeline.
“The money is not given before the election. It matters because once the election has concluded and results are declared—after all legal protocols have been followed—then delivery of your ward can warrant an award of N10 million,” he stated.
When asked again if he viewed the proposal as vote buying, Yilwatda firmly answered, “Never.”
Wike made the pledge during a political meeting at the Kwali Area Council, promising financial rewards to councillors who deliver their wards for the APC in 2027.
Regarding the potential reappointment of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President, should he win re-election, Yilwatda said the choice will ultimately be decided by the senators.
“Let’s wait for the election first. I don’t have anyone in mind. The Senate will determine who they want to make the Senate President,” he remarked.
On the issue of electoral violence ahead of the 2027 elections, Yilwatda expressed sympathy for those injured, affirming the APC’s commitment to free and fair elections.
“If anyone is harmed, it should not be by APC supporters. I feel for anyone who is injured, and I sympathize with them. Our party stands for free and fair elections,” he said.
