The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pledged a financial incentive of 10 million Naira to every councillor who successfully delivers their political ward for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Making the announcement during a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ gathering in the Kwali Area Council, which brought together traditional rulers, political figures, and local residents, Wike urged local leaders and councillors to actively engage with community groups and residents to guarantee a strong electoral turnout for the ruling party. He emphasized that the administration's focus remains firmly on grassroots mobilization and securing a decisive victory.
During the meeting, Wike formally endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, alongside Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency. Expressing strong confidence in the region's political alignment, he noted that satellite towns such as Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji are fully prepared to support the APC agenda.
Addressing political critics, Wike condemned what he described as the hypocrisy and double standards of opposition figures regarding judicial rulings. He pointed out that opposition reactions to court verdicts tend to fluctuate depending on whether the legal outcome serves their political interests, accepting favorable decisions as triumphs for democracy while dismissing unfavorable ones as executive interference.
The minister also defended his administration's decision to distribute brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles to first-class traditional rulers within the FCT, dismissing allegations that the initiative constituted political bribery or inducement. He argued that traditional leaders deserve proper respect and dignity, noting that providing adequate transportation ensures their safety and reflects the stature of their office.
Highlighting regional development, Wike pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects across FCT satellite towns, including the construction of over 270 kilometers of roads—95 kilometers of which are situated in Kwali—with completion and commissioning slated for December. He praised the Rainbow Coalition for uniting diverse political factions to foster local development and reviewed key milestones achieved under the current administration, such as the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of an FCT Head of Service, and financial autonomy for local area councils.
Furthermore, Wike addressed the historical marginalization of the FCT, contrasting its population of six to seven million with its current legislative representation of a single Senate seat and two House of Representatives seats. He commended President Tinubu for addressing long-standing structural gaps and cautioned residents against making electoral miscalculations in 2027. In response to an appeal by Gambo Hamza, Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria (FCT Chapter), regarding a monthly salary of 260,000 Naira, the minister also committed to reviewing the remuneration of FCT councillors.
Local political leaders echoed these sentiments during the meeting. FCT APC Chairman Ishaku Yamawo lauded Wike for bridging political divides and driving development, while PDP counterpart Mohammed Dogara expressed appreciation for the minister's initiatives and pledged robust support for the president's re-election bid. Speaking on behalf of the Rainbow Coalition stakeholders, Aliyu Baka reflected on past electoral outcomes and affirmed the coalition's readiness to secure victory for the APC in 2027.