2027: Wike Announces N10m Incentive for FCT Councillors to Deliver Tinubu’s Re-election Victory

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has promised councillors in the territory N10 million each if they successfully mobilise their political wards to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in the January presidential election.

The minister made the announcement on Monday during a meeting with political stakeholders, traditional rulers and other community leaders in Kwali.

He said the financial incentive, introduced by the Rainbow Coalition, was aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and ensuring that Tinubu receives overwhelming support across the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country.

Wike described the reward scheme as a competition among councillors, urging them to engage political leaders and influential figures in their respective communities to achieve the target.

“For the councillors, you have a task. I will hold a meeting with you again and I will now say the way I am going to mobilize you but I will give you a bet, like what is happening in the stars, it’s a competition.

“Anybody who delivers his ward, if you deliver your ward, that is what the Rainbow Coalition has decided to do as mobilization and support for Mr President,” he said.

The minister explained that the initiative would begin in the FCT, adding that the coalition intended to use the financial reward as an additional motivation for political mobilisation ahead of the election.

He stated: “The Rainbow Coalition all over the federation, as a form of mobilization for Mr President to win this election, we are saying that any councillor that delivers his ward will come and take N10 million. We want to mobilize for Mr President.”

Wike urged the councillors not to work in isolation but to collaborate with established political leaders and grassroots structures to secure their wards for Tinubu.

He added that he could not disclose the incentive during the president’s visit because he had been allocated only two minutes to address the gathering.

N260,000 monthly salary unacceptable, Wike tells councillors

The FCT minister also addressed concerns over the welfare of councillors following complaints by Gambo Hamza, Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria (FCT Chapter).

Hamza had raised concerns about the low remuneration of councillors in the territory, disclosing that they earn approximately N260,000 monthly.

Reacting, Wike described the amount as unacceptable and pledged to initiate discussions with the permanent secretary and other relevant administrative offices to review their remuneration.

The minister indicated that he would explore ways to address the welfare concerns and reduce administrative obstacles affecting the process.

Wike pushes for women’s inclusion in governance

On gender representation, Wike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, calling for more active participation of women in governance.

He stressed the need to create opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to political leadership and decision-making.

FCT deserves more seats in National Assembly, says Wike

Wike also revisited the issue of what he described as the longstanding marginalisation of the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria’s legislative structure.

He questioned why a territory with an estimated population of six to seven million people should have just one senator and relatively few representatives in the House of Representatives.

According to the minister, some states with considerably smaller populations have three senators and up to 10 members in the House of Representatives.

He argued that the disparity raises questions about fairness and equal political representation, insisting that the FCT should have a stronger voice in national legislative affairs.

Wike maintained that addressing the imbalance was necessary to guarantee the nation’s capital the level of representation and political equity it deserves.