“Winning Election Is Not About Buying Corn by Roadside” — Wike Chides Politicians Over Populist Campaign Tactics
Politicians who resort to roadside theatrics during campaigns have been cautioned against mistaking symbolism for substance, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, criticised the practice of buying corn and other items from petty traders to court voters.
The minister spoke days after the FCT council elections while commissioning 54 units of construction equipment in Edo State. He maintained that electoral victories are secured through measurable performance rather than staged displays.
“Winning an election is not by buying corn on the road. Winning of election is to show the people what you have done.”
Wike told PulseNets that credible political leadership must be anchored on tangible accomplishments, stressing that citizens evaluate parties and office holders based on projects delivered and governance outcomes.
PulseNets learnt that the minister commended the Edo State Government for procuring the 54 construction machines for distribution across the state’s 18 local government areas, describing the move as a strategic intervention to accelerate grassroots economic development.
He spoke to PulseNets in praise of Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising rural infrastructure and community-level growth initiatives. According to Wike, the governor’s approach reflects practical governance aimed at empowering local economies and strengthening sustainable development frameworks.
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PulseNets obtained that Wike linked the initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the programme is designed to rebuild public trust and reinforce confidence in democratic governance through infrastructure expansion and institutional reforms.
The minister further told PulseNets that politicians must prioritise capital projects, infrastructural renewal, and economic empowerment strategies over short-term populist gestures, insisting that performance-driven governance remains the decisive factor in Nigeria’s electoral process.
