Obi denies asking soldiers to reject Tinubu’s salary hike

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, has denied reports claiming that he advised Nigerian soldiers to reject the salary increase approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Obi made the clarification on Tuesday through a statement on his X account, describing the report as false and urging Nigerians not to believe it.

The controversy followed Tinubu’s approval of salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the armed forces. The new pay is expected to take effect from September 1, 2026, and benefit about 250,000 military personnel.

According to information from the Presidency, the adjustment will increase the annual salary cost of the armed forces from about N660bn to N924bn.

Obi said he has great respect for members of Nigeria’s security forces and has consistently called for better welfare, proper equipment, adequate motivation and improved protection for personnel serving the country.

The former Anambra State governor also referred to the loss of soldiers during an insurgency attack, saying the incident had raised concerns about how troops were being protected when facing danger.

He maintained that his position was not that soldiers should reject improved salaries. Rather, he said his concern has been the broader welfare and safety of security personnel who risk their lives in the service of the nation.

Obi said that if elected president, the welfare, safety, resources and dignity of Nigerian soldiers would receive strong attention under his administration.

He also said security personnel should have the necessary support to carry out their duties and should not be left exposed during dangerous operations.

The presidential candidate urged members of the public to disregard the report linking him to a call for soldiers to reject Tinubu’s salary package.

He said he would continue to focus on presenting his plans for improving security and building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.