Former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Festus Okoye, says the police, INEC and concerned Nigerians can initiate investigations into the ₦10 million reward promised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to councillors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okoye spoke on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he explained that suspected electoral offences could be reported to law enforcement agencies even without an initiative from INEC.
He added that the commission could petition relevant authorities, while the police could independently investigate suspected violations and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
Wike announced the offer on Monday, November 9, at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, promising ₦10 million to each councillor who delivers his or her ward for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
With 62 councillors in the FCT, the proposed payments could reach ₦620 million if all qualify.
READ ALSO: 2027: Wike Promises ₦10m To Councillors Who Deliver Wards For Tinubu
The minister has defended the offer as a reward for political mobilisation, insisting that he did not instruct the councillors to pay voters or buy their support.
However, the pledge has raised questions about its compliance with Section 125 of the Electoral Act 2026, which criminalises bribery and corrupt inducement in elections.
The provision prohibits corrupt gifts, offers or promises intended to influence a candidate’s return to elective office or procure votes. It exempts payments genuinely made towards lawful election-related expenses.
Although Wike has tied payment to electoral performance, the law also covers promises and offers, making the circumstances and purpose of the arrangement central to any legal assessment.
The controversy recalls the EFCC’s prosecution of four people over alleged voter bribery during the July 16, 2022 Osun governorship election. Three faced conspiracy charges, while the fourth was charged with bribery. All pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
Unlike the Osun case, which involved alleged payments directly to voters, Wike’s proposal targets elected ward officials. Whether it constitutes unlawful inducement remains a matter for investigation and legal determination.