Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied reports that he asked members of the Nigerian military to reject the recently approved salary increase until after the 2027 general election.
Obi described the claim as false and misleading, saying it misrepresented his position on the welfare and remuneration of security personnel.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, Obi said he had never called on soldiers to reject any salary increment.
“I wish to address a recent report that falsely attributes a statement to me, suggesting that Nigerian soldiers should refuse any salary increments until after the elections. This assertion is entirely untrue,” he said.
The clarification followed the circulation of a purported report and social media posts claiming that Obi had urged the military to reject the Federal Government’s newly approved salary increase until after the 2027 election.
Independent fact-checking by The FactCheckHub found the claim to be false, noting that there was no evidence in Obi’s official communication channels or credible media reports showing that he made such a statement. The purported report attributed to Peoples Gazette could also not be matched to an authentic publication by the newspaper.
Obi said his position had consistently been that members of Nigeria’s security forces deserve improved welfare, adequate equipment, protection and proper motivation, particularly those serving under difficult conditions.
“My profound respect for our security forces, particularly the Nigerian Army personnel who diligently serve and protect our nation under challenging conditions, is unwavering,” he said.
He recalled his previous concerns over the deaths of soldiers during security operations, saying such incidents reinforced his view that personnel defending the country should not be left vulnerable when facing danger.
Obi further pledged that the welfare, safety, resources and dignity of military personnel would be a priority if he were elected president in 2027.
“Should I be elected President, the well-being, resources, safety, and honour of our soldiers will be a paramount priority,” he said.
The controversy comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Under the approved arrangement, personnel from the rank of private to staff sergeant are to receive an 80 per cent increase, while warrant officers to colonels will receive a 50 per cent increase. Officers above the rank of colonel, including generals, are to receive a 30 per cent increase, with implementation scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026. The adjustment is expected to increase the annual military wage bill from about ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
Obi urged Nigerians to disregard the report attributing the controversial statement to him, reaffirming his commitment to what he described as a clear and consistent vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
