Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a strong rebuttal against circulating reports claiming he urged members of the armed forces to turn down a wage increase approved by President Bola Tinubu.
​In an official public statement released via his verified X handle on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the former Governor of Anambra State dismissed the viral narrative as a complete falsehood, calling on all citizens and military personnel to disregard it.
​Obi addressed the controversial social media reports directly, emphasizing that his political movement has never advocated against the financial well-being of Nigeria’s security officers.
​”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,” Obi stated.
​He further clarified that his ongoing advocacy centers on improving the operational environment for service personnel, stressing the need for modern defense equipment, adequate field protection, and fair remuneration for those serving in volatile regions. Obi added that if he is elected president in 2027, the safety, honor, and overall welfare of Nigerian troops will serve as a central priority of his defense strategy.
​The false reports originated following the Federal Government’s announcement of a comprehensive upward salary review for security forces.
​ President Bola Tinubu approved a 30% to 80% salary adjustment across rank structures for roughly 250,000 service members, set to take effect on September 1, 2026.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the structure will raise the annual military personnel budget from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.
​Obi cautioned the public to remain vigilant against politically motivated disinformation and urged citizens to rely strictly on his official public handles for verified communications.
