By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISW POST) – The Global Obidient Movement has called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into an alleged promise by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to pay ₦10 million to every councillor who delivers his ward for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The movement, in a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, by its National Coordinator, Dr Moses Paul, described the reported financial commitment as an issue requiring urgent scrutiny by relevant law enforcement and electoral authorities.
Wike had reportedly declared on November 9 that any councillor who successfully delivers his ward for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election would receive ₦10 million.
Although the minister has reportedly defended the promise as a reward for political mobilisation rather than vote-buying, the movement insisted that the legality of the arrangement must be determined by the relevant authorities.
Paul argued that the substance and conditions attached to the financial commitment, rather than the description given to it by its promoters, should determine whether it violates electoral laws.
Citing Section 125(1)(a) of the Electoral Act 2026, the movement said the law criminalises the corrupt offer, gift or promise intended to induce anyone to procure the return of a candidate to elective office or influence an elector’s vote.
It, however, acknowledged that Section 125(3) recognises legitimate electoral expenses, stressing that the provision does not automatically exempt every financial reward described as political mobilisation from legal scrutiny.
The movement also cited Section 125(5), which provides for liability for conspiracy, aiding and abetting electoral offences, and Section 148(2), which stipulates that prosecution under the Act shall be undertaken by INEC legal officers or a legal practitioner appointed by the commission.
It maintained that the central issue was whether Wike’s reported financial arrangement constituted legitimate political mobilisation or a corrupt electoral inducement prohibited by law.
The group said it was not pronouncing the minister guilty but demanding an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the announcement.
It specifically questioned the source of the proposed ₦10 million payments, asking whether the funds would come from Wike personally, the Rainbow Coalition, private financiers or public resources.
It also demanded clarification on whether the proposed payments were tied to legitimate political activities or were conditional upon councillors producing predetermined electoral results.
The movement further asked who authorised the arrangement, its legal basis and whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had examined its implications under the Electoral Act.
On the possibility of public funds being involved, it called for clarification on whether government resources, facilities or other public assets would be deployed for partisan political purposes.
Consequently, the movement demanded that the Inspector-General of Police and other competent authorities immediately invite Wike for questioning and investigate the circumstances, funding and conditions attached to the reported promise.
It also urged INEC to examine the arrangement under Section 125 of the Electoral Act and discharge its statutory responsibilities, including initiating prosecution where the evidence justifies such action.
Additionally, Paul called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate any issues within their respective jurisdictions, particularly where financial impropriety or possible misuse of public resources is established.
The group further insisted that anyone found culpable should face prosecution, arguing that political office must not shield individuals from accountability.
It also challenged President Tinubu to publicly clarify whether he endorsed a financial arrangement that allegedly promises ₦10 million to political representatives for delivering electoral wards in his favour.
Describing the controversy as bigger than Wike, the movement said allowing political influence, financial inducements and the power of public office to undermine confidence in elections would threaten the country’s democratic process.
“A ward is not a political commodity. Its people are not electoral merchandise. Their votes belong to them, not to ministers, councillors, political financiers or government appointees,” the statement said.
The group stressed that while political mobilisation and competition were legitimate democratic activities, no individual should be allowed to evade the law under the guise of political mobilisation.
It added that its demand was not for a predetermined conviction or selective justice but for an impartial investigation, transparency and equal treatment before the law.
“If the arrangement is lawful, let the authorities establish and explain its legal basis. If it violates the Electoral Act, those responsible must face the consequences,” the movement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to electoral integrity, democratic accountability and the protection of citizens’ right to freely choose their leaders, the group declared that no minister or political office holder was above the law.
It concluded with a call on Wike to answer questions over the reported promise, the police to investigate, INEC to act, financial authorities to examine the money trail and the Presidency to state its position.
