'Anyone can report him' — ex-INEC chief says Wike’s ₦10m pledge can be investigated under Section 125

Photo: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike · Source: Premium Times (Jan 2026 file photo)

Festus Okoye says INEC, the police or any citizen can trigger an investigation under Section 125 — and the AAC says it will petition the EFCC and ICPC.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended his promise of ₦10 million to each FCT councillor who delivers their ward for President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027, insisting it is a reward for work done — not vote-buying.

“I didn’t tell them, 'Take this money and go and buy votes.' I said, 'Go and work. Show commitment. Demonstrate that you really mean what you are talking about. When you win, come and we are going to reward you,'” he said during an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja on Tuesday. “I didn’t say take this money and go and buy voters; I said go and work and show commitment.”

He asked: “Which political party doesn’t release money for mobilisation?” APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda backed him on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday, saying the money would be paid only after the election, once results and legal processes are concluded, and that it was meant to motivate about 60 FCT councillors.

The legal argument against the pledge sharpened on Tuesday evening. Former INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye said on Channels TV’s Politics Today that INEC, the police or any citizen can trigger an investigation into the pledge. He cited Section 125 of the Electoral Act 2026, which criminalises corruptly giving, offering or promising inducements to secure votes; the fact payment comes after the election does not settle it, since the law covers promises and offers. Section 125(3) excludes legitimate election expenses.

Separately, the African Action Congress (FCT chapter, chairman Agena Robert Ande) condemned the pledge as vote-buying, demanded Wike withdraw it and disclose the source of the money — personal funds or FCT Administration funds — and called on the EFCC, ICPC, INEC, police and DSS to investigate, saying it will petition those bodies. No investigation has been opened — only Okoye’s view that one can be triggered and the AAC’s planned petitions. No new Wike statement and no Obi response were found today.

At the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition meeting on Tuesday, Wike also turned on Peter Obi, saying the NDC presidential candidate would “run to Cameroon if confronted with burdens of presidency” and lacked the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.

The pledge was first made on Monday at a Kwali Area Council stakeholders' meeting, where Wike also endorsed Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for Abuja South. The reports do not state the source of the ₦10m payments.

Update, 11 Nov 2026 (evening): this article was updated after ex-INEC commissioner Festus Okoye said an investigation into Wike’s ₦10m pledge can be triggered under Section 125, and the AAC said it will petition the EFCC, ICPC, INEC, police and DSS. No investigation has been opened.

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