N10m Reward to Motivate FCT Councillors, Not Vote Buying — APC Chair Defends Wike

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended the ₦10 million reward promised by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to councillors who safe electoral victories for President Bola Tinubu and different APC candidates of their wards throughout the 2027 basic elections.

Speaking on a tv programme on Monday, Yilwatda mentioned the proposed fee was meant as a reward for political efficiency slightly than an try and affect voters. According to him, the cash would solely be disbursed after the elections and the declaration of outcomes.

He argued that political events generally present funds for mobilisation and dismissed options that the pledge amounted to voter inducement.

Yilwatda likened the motivation to rewarding excellent achievement, stressing that the timing of the fee distinguishes it from vote-buying. He maintained {that a} reward given after an election has been concluded and the outcomes validated by way of due course of can’t be thought of an inducement to voters.

The APC chairman was responding to criticism of Wike’s latest pledge in Kwali Area Council, the place the FCT minister promised ₦10 million to every councillor who delivers their ward for Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

When requested immediately whether or not the supply constituted vote-buying, Yilwatda firmly rejected the declare, insisting that it was a post-election reward for political success.

On one other political subject, Yilwatda mentioned it was untimely to debate who would emerge as Senate President ought to the APC retain management of the Senate after the following election. He acknowledged that the choice would in the end relaxation with elected senators, slightly than the celebration management.

Addressing issues about studies of election-related violence forward of 2027, the APC chairman expressed sympathy for victims and reiterated the celebration’s dedication to free and truthful elections. He mentioned no particular person must be subjected to violence throughout the electoral course of and burdened that the APC helps peaceable democratic participation.

Wike’s controversial pledge has continued to generate debate, with critics questioning its implications, whereas celebration leaders preserve that the reward is a reputable motivational instrument aimed toward celebration officers slightly than voters.

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