Okoye has warned that Nyesom Wike’s promise to pay ₦10 million to each Federal Capital Territory (FCT) councillor for delivering wards to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could prompt investigations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force.
The pledge involves a direct financial reward for councillors who successfully deliver their respective wards for President Bola Tinubu and the APC during the 2027 general elections. This targeted approach to political mobilisation has drawn immediate scrutiny regarding the legal boundaries of political campaigning in Nigeria.
The warnings follow controversy surrounding Wike’s ₦10 million promise, which raises questions about the potential violation of electoral laws prohibiting the inducement of officials to influence election results.
In the Nigerian political structure, the ward serves as the most critical unit for grassroots control. Ensuring party dominance at the ward level is essential for securing local government administration and building a foundation for state and national contests. However, the transition from political mobilisation to direct cash incentives for elected officials creates significant legal risks.
Legal implications and electoral conduct
Okoye stated that the Nigeria Police Force has the mandate to investigate criminal allegations, such as bribery or illicit financial inducements. Meanwhile, INEC is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that political actors adhere to established codes of conduct.
If the ₦10 million pledge is interpreted as an attempt to bribe local officials to guarantee specific electoral outcomes, it could constitute a breach of the Electoral Act. The Act contains provisions designed to prevent the use of money to influence the performance of duties by those involved in the electoral process or those representing political parties.
The distinction between campaign spending and illegal inducement remains a central point of concern for observers. While political parties are permitted to fund mobilisation efforts, providing specific, high-value cash rewards to elected representatives in exchange for guaranteed electoral results falls into a high-risk category for regulatory intervention.
As of now, there has been no official response from Wike’s office or the APC leadership regarding the potential legal ramifications of the pledge. The matter now depends on whether a formal petition is filed with the police or the electoral commission to initiate a probe.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
