By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has promised N10 million to every councilor who delivers their political ward for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates during the 2027 general elections. Wike made the announcement on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, Abuja, where traditional rulers, political stakeholders and residents gathered.
Wike Offers N10m Incentive to FCT Councilors
Speaking at the meeting, Wike urged councilors to mobilize residents, youth groups and community associations ahead of the 2027 elections.
He challenged them to secure victory for the APC across their respective wards.
“Any councilor 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 expressed confidence in the APC’s political support across Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji.
He said the three area councils would deliver their votes to the ruling party in 2027.
Wike Defends SUVs for FCT Traditional Rulers
Meanwhile, Wike defended his administration’s decision to provide brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to first-class traditional rulers.
The decision has attracted criticism from some political commentators, who questioned its timing and purpose.
However, Wike dismissed allegations that the vehicles represented political inducements or bribes.
He maintained that traditional rulers deserved dignity, respect and adequate support.
He questioned why critics expected traditional rulers to travel in public buses while government officials enjoyed comfortable vehicles.
Wike insisted that his administration would continue supporting traditional institutions despite public criticism.
FCT Road Projects Near Completion
The minister also highlighted his administration’s infrastructure projects across the FCT satellite towns.
He disclosed that the government had undertaken more than 270 kilometres of road construction.
According to him, Kwali alone accounts for 95 kilometres of completed road projects.
Furthermore, he said ongoing road projects across the satellite towns were nearing completion.
He added that the government planned to inaugurate several projects in December.
Wike Highlights Tinubu Administration’s Achievements
Wike also defended the Tinubu administration, highlighting several developments within the FCT.
He cited the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission and the appointment of an FCT Head of Service.
Additionally, he mentioned financial autonomy for area councils and infrastructure improvements across satellite communities.
The minister described these initiatives as significant changes after decades of limited attention.
He argued that previous administrations neglected the FCT despite its growing population.
Wike noted that the territory has between six and seven million residents.
However, he lamented that the FCT has only one Senate seat and two House of Representatives seats.
He urged residents to support Tinubu in 2027, citing the administration’s interventions.
Wike Criticises Opposition Over Court Decisions
The FCT minister also accused opposition politicians of applying double standards when discussing judicial decisions.
He argued that opposition figures praised the judiciary whenever court judgments favoured them.
However, he said they questioned the courts when decisions went against their interests.
Wike cited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its Supreme Court victory in an earlier legal dispute.
He contrasted that reaction with opposition criticism following the court decision involving the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
He questioned why some politicians described the judiciary as independent only when judgments favoured them.
Wike maintained that political actors should respect judicial decisions regardless of their outcomes.
Wike Promises to Review FCT Councillors’ Salaries
Meanwhile, the minister promised to examine the salaries of FCT councillors.
The Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Gambo Hamza, raised the issue.
Hamza disclosed that councillors in the territory currently earn N260,000 monthly.
He appealed to Wike to intervene and consider an improvement in their salaries.
In response, the minister promised to look into the matter.
Wike Endorses Tinubu, Aduda and Chiya for 2027
Wike also declared his support for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Additionally, he endorsed Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat.
He also backed Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency seat.
The minister urged political stakeholders to work together towards the APC’s electoral success.
He said the Rainbow Coalition aimed to promote grassroots participation and development across the FCT.
Wike maintained that Tinubu’s administration had introduced changes that previous governments failed to deliver.
He therefore urged residents to support the administration during the 2027 general elections.
