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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his promise to give N10 million to councillors who deliver their wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the money is a reward for political mobilisation and not an attempt to buy votes.
Wike said he never asked the councillors to use the money to induce voters but challenged them to work hard and convince residents to support the President.
He spoke on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, where he responded to criticism over the financial reward.
He said he only asked the councillors to work hard, demonstrate their commitment and mobilise support, promising to reward them if they succeeded.
Recall that the minister had announced the N10 million offer during a meeting with political stakeholders, traditional leaders and councillors in Kwali Area Council on Monday.
He explained that the offer was part of the Rainbow Coalition's grassroots mobilisation strategy to secure support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike said the councillors were expected to work with party leaders and other political stakeholders in their wards to mobilise voters for the President.
Defending the arrangement, he compared it to rewards given to athletes who win trophies at international competitions, questioning why a similar incentive in politics should be regarded as vote-buying.
Wike argued that political parties and candidates spend money on campaign advertisements without attracting similar criticism.
“Journalists should understand the difference between giving voters money to influence their decisions and rewarding people for political mobilisation," he added.
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NPFL Matchday 12 Roundup: Rangers Edge Kwara United, Bendel Snatch Late Winner as Inter Lagos Rescue Derby Point
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 delivered exciting action across the country, with defending champions Rangers International securing a narrow victory, Bendel Insurance scoring a dramatic late winner, and Inter Lagos rescuing a point in a thrilling Lagos derby.
Sports247 reports that the matchday began on Friday, November 6, with Kun Khalifat FC playing out a 1-1 draw against Kano Pillars. Sikiru Alimi opened the scoring for the visitors in the 74th minute, but Ebuka Okoro converted a late penalty to rescue a point for the hosts.
On Sunday, defending champions Rangers International welcomed Kwara United in Awka and secured a 1-0 victory. Victor Chimezie scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute to give the Flying Antelopes maximum points.
Abia Warriors and Doma United shared four goals in a 2-2 draw, while Shooting Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Barau FC. An early own goal by Olakunle Akala proved costly for the Oluyole Warriors.
Bendel Insurance produced one of the day’s dramatic finishes against Niger Tornadoes in Benin. After Aliyu Mohammed gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot, Jonathan Mairiga equalised in the 45+8th minute. John Taiwo then struck in the 90+5th minute to seal a 2-1 victory for the Benin Gunners. Niger Tornadoes defender Sunday Akinmoladun was sent off in added time for a professional foul.
Newly promoted Ranchers Bees claimed an important 1-0 victory over Enyimba, with Chiedozie Jude Okorie scoring in the 42nd minute.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United responded to their previous defeat against Kano Pillars with a convincing 3-1 win over Plateau United.
Warri Wolves and Katsina United settled for a 1-1 draw. Luis Dadong put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute before Sabastine Uche equalised for Wolves in the 72nd minute.
The Lagos derby between Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos ended 2-2 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. John Danga gave Inter Lagos the lead in the 40th minute before Ayodeji Abayomi converted two penalties in the 59th and 63rd minutes to put Ikorodu City ahead. However, Akinwale Oriyomi struck in the 90+2nd minute to rescue a valuable point for struggling Inter Lagos.
The Matchday 12 programme is scheduled to conclude with Rivers United taking on Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, on November 18.
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