By Divine Sam
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended the N10 million reward promised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to councillors who secure victory for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in their respective wards during the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, described the proposed payment as an incentive to motivate the councillors, insisting that the money would only be released after the elections and the declaration of results.
He explained that Wike’s promise was directed at councillors across the FCT, noting that the proposed reward was tied to their ability to deliver their respective wards for the ruling party.
“He was speaking to the FCT councillors in the forum, and I’m sure it’s addressing something about 62 or 60-something councillors in the FCT,” he said.
When asked whether the N10 million pledge amounted to voter inducement, the APC chairman dismissed the suggestion, arguing that political parties routinely provide financial resources for mobilisation during elections.
“Which political party doesn’t release money for mobilisation? Which political party? So, tell me one. No, it’s not for votes. The same reward for you to deliver Tinubu in your ward,” he said.
Yilwatda likened the proposed payment to incentives given to students for outstanding academic performance, stressing that the timing of the reward distinguished it from direct payments to influence voters.
He maintained that the money would not be distributed before the election but only after the electoral process had been concluded and the results established through the appropriate legal procedures.
“The money is not given before the election. It doesn’t matter? No, it matters. It matters because if the money is given after the election has been concluded and the winner has been declared and there’s nothing at stake again—if the court has proven and all the legal rules have been followed—that you legally deliver your ward by giving you N10 million,” he said.
Asked specifically whether he considered the arrangement vote-buying, the APC chairman responded: “Never.”
Wike had made the N10 million pledge during a political gathering in Kwali Area Council, promising to reward each councillor who delivers their ward for Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.
On whether the APC would support the return of Senate President Godswill Akpabio if he secures re-election, Yilwatda said the decision would be left to members of the Senate.
“Let’s wait for the election first. I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine who they want to make the Senate President,” he said.
The APC chairman also reacted to reports of electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing sympathy for victims of attacks and reiterating the party’s support for peaceful and credible elections.
“If anybody is injured by anybody across the country, I’m sure it shouldn’t be by APC supporters. I pity anybody who is being injured, and I sympathise with them. Our party stands for free and fair elections,” he said.
Leave a Reply