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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announces N10 million reward for every councillor who successfully delivers his or her ward for President Bola Tinubu.
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Rainbow Coalition adopts financial incentives as part of its nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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Wike describes councillors’ monthly salary of N260,000 as unacceptable, promises to pursue a review of their remuneration.
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Minister renews demand for greater FCT representation in the National Assembly, citing the territory’s estimated population of six to seven million.
November 10, (THEWILL) – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a N10 million reward for every councillor who successfully delivers his or her political ward for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike disclosed the incentive on Monday while addressing political stakeholders, traditional rulers and other community leaders in Kwali Area Council of the FCT, saying the arrangement was part of a grassroots mobilisation strategy being implemented by the Rainbow Coalition to secure support for Tinubu’s re-election.
He said the initiative would operate as a competition among councillors, with each successful ward delivery attracting a N10 million reward.
The minister urged the councillors to mobilise political leaders and influential stakeholders in their respective communities, stressing that securing electoral support for the President would require collective efforts at the grassroots.
“For the councillors, you have a task. I will hold a meeting with you again and explain how I am going to mobilise you. But I will give you a bet, like what is happening in the stars; it is a competition,” Wike said.
Explaining the decision of the Rainbow Coalition, he said the financial incentive was part of a wider mobilisation programme being coordinated across the country in support of Tinubu.
“Anybody who delivers his ward, that is what the Rainbow Coalition has decided to do as mobilisation and support for Mr President,” he said.
Wike said the FCT would be among the starting points of the coalition’s mobilisation campaign, adding that the initiative was intended to strengthen support for the President ahead of the next presidential election.
He explained that he could not disclose the arrangement during the President’s recent visit because of the limited time allocated to him to address the gathering.
“But now that I have time to talk, let me say that the Rainbow Coalition, all over the federation, as a form of mobilisation for Mr President to win this election, is saying that any councillor who delivers his ward will come and take N10 million,” he said.
The minister urged the councillors to take the message to their political leaders and work with them to secure support for Tinubu in their respective wards.
Acknowledging that the councillors could not accomplish the task alone, he said they were expected to serve as the link between the coalition and established political structures in their communities.
“I know only you cannot do it, but we are using you as the instrumentality to reach your leaders. Go and meet your leaders and say, ‘Look, there is something that has come. We must not allow this thing to go. Let’s deliver our ward for Mr President’,” Wike said.
The announcement places ward-level mobilisation at the centre of the Rainbow Coalition’s political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with councillors expected to coordinate support for Tinubu across the FCT.
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Wike Promises Review of Councillors’ Salaries
Beyond the political mobilisation campaign, Wike addressed concerns over the welfare and remuneration of councillors in the FCT following an appeal by the Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Gambo Hamza.
Hamza had drawn attention to what he described as the poor remuneration of councillors in the territory, disclosing that they earn N260,000 monthly.
Responding to the complaint, Wike described the amount as unacceptable and promised to engage the relevant administrative authorities to review their remuneration.
He said he would discuss the matter with the Permanent Secretary and other relevant officials, with a view to addressing the concerns raised by the councillors.
The minister also indicated his willingness to pursue the matter through the appropriate administrative channels to ensure that bureaucratic delays did not frustrate efforts to improve their welfare.
Wike Reiterates Commitment to Women’s Inclusion
Wike also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity in governance, emphasising the need to increase women’s participation in political and administrative positions.
He stressed the importance of creating opportunities for women to participate more actively in governance and contribute to decision-making processes.
The minister also renewed his call for greater legislative representation for the FCT, questioning the disparity between the territory’s growing population and its representation in the National Assembly.
Wike put the FCT’s population at between six million and seven million, arguing that its current representation of one senator and a limited number of members in the House of Representatives did not reflect its population size.
He compared the situation with that of other states with smaller populations, which have three senators and as many as 10 members in the House of Representatives.
According to him, the disparity raises questions about equitable representation and the political voice of residents of the nation’s capital.
He maintained that the FCT deserved greater representation in the National Assembly, arguing that its growing population and national importance should be reflected in the country’s legislative arrangement.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
