Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has dismissed reports claiming that he advised Nigerian soldiers to reject the salary increase recently approved for members of the armed forces by President Bola Tinubu.
Obi described the report as false, insisting that he never called on military personnel to turn down any salary adjustment pending the outcome of the 2027 general election.
The former Anambra State Governor made the clarification in a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following the circulation of the claim.
According to Obi, the report misrepresented his position and falsely attributed comments to him that he did not make.
He said, “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.”
The clarification comes days after President Tinubu approved a substantial salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The approved adjustment, which is expected to take effect from September 1, 2026, will see military personnel receive increases ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent, depending on their category and existing pay structure.
The Federal Government said the measure was part of efforts to improve the welfare of personnel serving in the armed forces and recognise the difficult conditions under which they carry out their duties.
The increase is expected to affect approximately 250,000 personnel across the armed forces.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the adjustment will also have a significant impact on the military’s annual personnel expenditure, with the salary bill projected to rise from about ₦660bn to ₦924bn.
The salary increase has generated public discussion, particularly because it comes at a time when the welfare, remuneration and working conditions of Nigeria’s security personnel remain major issues in national conversations.
However, Obi’s latest statement makes clear that his objection, if any, should not be interpreted as opposition to better pay for soldiers.
Rather, he used the opportunity to reaffirm what he described as his long-standing commitment to improving the welfare, equipment and protection available to members of Nigeria’s security forces.
The former Governor said his respect for members of the military remained firm, particularly for soldiers who operate in dangerous environments while defending the country against insurgents and other security threats.
“My profound respect for our security forces, particularly the Nigerian Army personnel who diligently serve and protect our nation under challenging conditions, is unwavering,” Obi said.
He added that he had consistently advocated improved equipment, motivation and protection for security personnel.
His comments also referred to an incident in which soldiers were killed by insurgents after what he described as a delayed rescue effort.
Obi said the incident had raised serious questions in his mind about the level of protection available to troops deployed in dangerous areas.
“My concern was palpable when soldiers were lost to insurgents due to a delayed rescue effort, prompting me to question how those defending us could be left vulnerable in their time of need,” he said.
The statement indicates that Obi’s concern about military welfare extends beyond salaries to include operational support and the safety of troops deployed on the frontline.
Nigeria’s armed forces have continued to face significant security challenges in different parts of the country, with soldiers frequently deployed against insurgents, bandits and other armed groups.
Against that background, Obi said a government must ensure that personnel entrusted with protecting citizens are adequately supported before, during and after dangerous operations.
He further stated that the welfare and safety of security personnel would be among his major priorities if he becomes President.
“Should I be elected President, the well-being, resources, safety, and honour of our soldiers will be a paramount priority,” he said.
According to him, the men and women responsible for protecting Nigeria should not be treated as a secondary consideration by Government.
“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern. Our soldiers are deserving of our utmost respect, unwavering support, and a government that will unequivocally stand by them,” Obi stated.
He also promised that personnel deployed in dangerous situations would receive stronger institutional support under his leadership.
Obi said situations in which servicemen and women are exposed to danger without adequate protection should no longer be tolerated.
“Under my leadership, scenarios where our servicemen and women are left unprotected in the face of peril will be eradicated,” he said.
The controversy over the alleged statement comes as political activity gradually intensifies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Obi, who previously contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, is now seeking the presidency under the Nigerian Democratic Congress.
His latest clarification therefore seeks to draw a clear distinction between political criticism of Government policies and opposition to improved conditions for security personnel.
The claim that he wanted soldiers to reject the salary increase has been reported and discussed online, prompting the former Anambra Governor to publicly distance himself from the statement. Other reports published on Tuesday also quoted Obi as saying that the allegation was entirely untrue.
Obi ended his statement by appealing to Nigerians to disregard what he described as a misleading report.
He maintained that he remained focused on presenting what he described as a consistent vision for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
“I implore the Nigerian populace to dismiss this misleading report. I remain committed to articulating a clear and consistent vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
The development places the focus back on the substance of Obi’s position: while he has denied calling for soldiers to reject Tinubu’s salary increase, he continues to argue that improved remuneration should go alongside adequate equipment, operational resources, safety and institutional support for members of the security forces.
For the approximately 250,000 military personnel expected to benefit from the Federal Government’s latest pay adjustment, the salary review is scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026.