Facing questions over the pledge, Yilwatda dismissed suggestions that it amounted to vote buying, insisting that the money was meant to motivate councillors and would only be paid after the elections, once the results had been established.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the APC chairman said Wike was addressing FCT councillors, whose number he put at about 60.
“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 offer amounted to voter inducement, Yilwatda argued that political parties routinely spend money on mobilisation and maintained that Wike’s promise was a reward for electoral performance.
“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 further defended the arrangement by comparing it to incentives given to students for outstanding academic performance. He, however, stressed that the timing of the payment was crucial, arguing that the money would not be released before the election.
“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.
Pressed again on whether he considered the arrangement vote buying, Yilwatda gave a firm response: “Never.”
Wike had made the N10 million pledge during a political meeting in Kwali Area Council, promising to reward each councillor who delivers their ward for Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.
On the question of whether the APC would support Senate President Godswill Akpabio for another term if he secures re-election, Yilwatda said the choice would be left to senators.
“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 polls, expressing sympathy for victims while insisting that his party supports 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.
