Peter Obi Denies Urging Soldiers to Reject Pay Raises

Presidential candidate Peter Obi denied reports claiming he urged Nigerian soldiers to reject salary increases until after the 2027 general election. In a statement posted to X on Tuesday, Obi described the assertions as false and misleading, stating that the well-being and safety of security personnel remain a priority.

The clarification follows President Bola Tinubu's approval of salary increases between 30 and 80 percent for approximately 250,000 armed forces personnel, effective September 1, 2026. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, the pay package will increase the annual salary bill from N660bn to N924bn.