Yilwatda dismissed criticism of the pledge, insisting that it did not amount to vote buying.

Naija News reports that the APC chairman made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

Wike had made the promise at a political gathering in Kwali Area Council, where he pledged to give each councillor ₦10 million if they secured victory for Tinubu and other APC candidates in their wards in 2027.

According to Yilwatda, the offer was directed at approximately 60 councillors in the FCT and was intended to encourage them to intensify their political mobilisation efforts.

When asked whether the promise amounted to electoral inducement, the APC chairman argued that political parties routinely provide funds for mobilisation.

“Which political party doesn’t release money for mobilisation? Which political party? So, tell me one. No, it’s not for votes,” he said.

Yilwatda compared the proposed payment to a reward given to students who perform exceptionally well in examinations.

He further argued that the money would only be paid after the election results had been announced and all legal processes concluded, insisting that it could not influence voters or determine the outcome of the election.

“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… that you legally deliver your ward by giving you ₦10 million,” he said.

When pressed further on whether the pledge constituted vote buying, Yilwatda responded, “Never.”

On the possibility of Senate President Godswill Akpabio retaining his position if re-elected in 2027, the APC chairman said it was too early to make such a determination.

“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 stated.

Yilwatda also expressed sympathy for victims of pre-election violence, warning party supporters against engaging in attacks.

“Our party stands for free and fair elections,” he added.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle arrived in Uyo in the early hours of Monday and was later joined by one of his assistants, Daniel Ogunmodede. However, the team was yet to commence full training as the invited players had not arrived at the camp.

Sources in Uyo told Punch that no Super Eagles player had arrived at the Victor Attah International Airport as of Monday evening, despite team officials waiting at the airport throughout the day.

One of the sources said: “We were at the airport from morning until evening on Monday, and none of the players arrived. When the last flight of the day landed, we checked the manifest, but no player was on board.”

Tanzania also experienced a delay in its travel arrangements. The Taifa Stars, who were initially expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday, were rescheduled to land on Tuesday following changes to their flight schedule.

The East African side have endured a difficult start to their Group L campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau before settling for a 1-1 draw against Madagascar.

However, Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. This leaves only one available qualification spot in Group L.

Guinea-Bissau currently top the group, while Nigeria sit in second position with three points from two matches.

The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

Chelle will be hoping to assemble his squad as quickly as possible ahead of the double-header, with Nigeria needing maximum points to improve their chances of securing the group’s remaining qualification ticket.

The coach announced a 24-man squad on Saturday but will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the encounter due to injury. The Galatasaray forward also missed Nigeria’s previous two qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September.

Other players invited include goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo; defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Frederick; midfielders Tochukwu Nnadi and Samson Tijani; and forwards Moses Usor and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Turkey-based defender Chibuike Nwaiwu and Czechia-based wing-back Abdullahi Bewene are also part of the squad.