Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected a report claiming he asked Nigerian soldiers to reject salary increases until after the 2027 elections, describing the allegation as false.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi said he had never opposed better pay for military personnel. Instead, he argued that soldiers defending Nigeria are often operating under difficult conditions and require better equipment, protection, motivation and institutional support.
“I never said military should reject salary increase,” Obi said, urging Nigerians to disregard the report. He used the controversy to restate what appears to be a broader position on military welfare as he prepares for the 2027 presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor pointed to the deaths of soldiers during what he described as a delayed rescue operation, questioning why personnel fighting insurgents could be left exposed when they themselves required urgent assistance. He said such incidents showed why the welfare and safety of security personnel should be treated as a core national security issue.
“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern,” Obi said, promising that military personnel would receive priority attention under his leadership if elected president.
His proposed approach includes providing troops with adequate equipment and resources, improving their protection and ensuring stronger government support for personnel deployed in dangerous areas. Obi said the country must eliminate situations where soldiers are left vulnerable while confronting terrorists and insurgents.
“Under my leadership, scenarios where our servicemen and women are left unprotected in the face of peril will be eradicated,” he said. He also reaffirmed his respect for the armed forces, particularly Nigerian Army personnel serving under challenging conditions.
The controversy comes as security is expected to remain a major issue in the 2027 presidential election. Obi’s response has shifted the focus beyond the disputed salary claim to a wider argument that Nigeria cannot effectively tackle terrorism and insecurity without strengthening the personnel responsible for protecting the country.
Obi also warned Nigerians about politically motivated misinformation, urging citizens to verify statements attributed to political figures as the 2027 contest gathers momentum. He maintained that his position has consistently been that soldiers deserve better pay alongside adequate equipment, protection and institutional support.
“The realisation of a new and secure Nigeria is indeed possible,” Obi said.
