The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised a financial incentive of ₦10m to every councillor who successfully delivers their political ward for President Bola Tinubu in the January presidential election.

Wike announced the offer on Monday while addressing political stakeholders, traditional rulers and other leaders in Kwali, describing it as part of the Rainbow Coalition’s grassroots mobilisation strategy to secure support for Tinubu.

He said the arrangement would operate as a competition among councillors, with those who deliver their wards receiving the promised financial reward.

“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 mobilise you, but I will give you a bet, like what is happening in the stars, it’s a competition,” Wike said.

He explained that the incentive was part of a broader mobilisation effort by the Rainbow Coalition across the country.

“Any councillor that delivers his ward will come and take ₦10 million. We want to mobilise for Mr President. So, go to your wards, go and see your leaders. I know only you cannot do it but we are using you as instrumentality to your leaders,” he added.

The minister also urged the councillors to engage their political leaders and mobilise support for Tinubu in their respective communities.

Beyond the electoral mobilisation, Wike addressed concerns about the welfare and remuneration of councillors in the FCT.

The Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT chapter, Gambo Hamza, had raised concerns about their earnings, putting their monthly salary at ₦260,000.

Wike described the remuneration as unacceptable and promised to engage the Permanent Secretary and relevant administrative offices to review the payment structure.

He said he would explore ways to address bureaucratic delays and improve the welfare of councillors as part of efforts to strengthen local governance.

The FCT minister also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to gender inclusion, stressing the need to increase women’s participation in governance.

On the political representation of the FCT, Wike criticised what he described as the territory’s historical marginalisation, questioning why its estimated population of six to seven million people was represented by only one senator and a limited number of members in the House of Representatives.

He compared the FCT’s representation with that of some states with smaller populations, which have three senators and as many as 10 representatives in the House of Representatives.

Wike argued that the disparity raised questions about fairness and equity, insisting that the nation’s capital should have a stronger voice in the National Assembly.