Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has dismissed reports alleging that he asked Nigerian soldiers to reject salary increases until after the 2027 general elections.
Obi described the claim as false, saying it does not reflect his position on the welfare or remuneration of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He urged Nigerians to disregard the report and focus instead on his publicly stated views concerning national security and the welfare of security personnel.
The former governor made his clarification in a statement published on his official X account, where he directly addressed what he described as a recent attempt to attribute a statement to him that he did not make.
“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 said.
Stressing that his position has consistently been that Nigerian security personnel deserve adequate support from the Nigerian government, including proper equipment, motivation, protection and improved welfare. He said members of the security forces who risk their lives to protect the country should not be treated as a secondary choice.
The former presidential candidate also expressed his continued respect for Nigerian soldiers, particularly personnel of the Nigerian Army who operate in challenging environments while carrying out their responsibilities. He maintained that the government has a duty to provide security personnel with the resources required to perform their duties effectively and safely.
According to Obi, his concerns about the welfare of soldiers are partly informed by incidents in which military personnel have faced serious danger during security operations. He specifically referred to an incident involving soldiers who were lost to insurgents following what he described as a delayed rescue effort.
Obi said the incident raised questions about how troops deployed to defend citizens could themselves be left exposed when they require urgent assistance. He argued that the protection of military personnel should be taken seriously, particularly when they are engaged in operations against insurgents and other armed groups.
“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,” Obi said.
The clarification comes as political discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential election continue to intensify, with issues including national security, economic management, public-sector welfare and institutional reforms expected to feature prominently in political debates.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election and has remained active in national political discussions, said the welfare and security of members of the Armed Forces would be a major priority if he eventually becomes president.
He stated that a government under his leadership would seek to ensure that soldiers and other security personnel have access to the equipment, resources and institutional support necessary to carry out their responsibilities. He also emphasised the importance of protecting troops who are deployed to areas affected by insurgency and other forms of insecurity.
“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern,” Obi said, stressing that members of the Armed Forces deserve the respect, support and protection of the government they serve.
The former governor further stated that situations in which Nigerian servicemen and women are left inadequately protected while confronting serious threats should not continue. He said his administration, if elected, would work toward eliminating such circumstances and making the safety and welfare of security personnel a central component of national security policy.
Obi’s statement was also framed as an appeal to Nigerians to distinguish between his actual public comments and statements attributed to him in reports he considers misleading. He maintained that the claim about soldiers rejecting salary increases does not represent his position and should not be interpreted as part of his political agenda.
The Labour Party politician said he would continue to communicate what he described as a clear and consistent vision for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria. He maintained that strengthening the country’s security architecture must go hand in hand with improving the conditions under which security personnel operate.
The controversy has therefore centred not on a policy proposal by Obi to delay or reject salary increases for soldiers, but on his attempt to clarify what he says was a false attribution. His latest statement places emphasis on better welfare, adequate resources and stronger protection for members of the Armed Forces.
Obi ended his message by reiterating his commitment to the vision of a secure Nigeria, urging the public to disregard the disputed report. He concluded with his familiar political expression that a “new and secure Nigeria is indeed POssible.”
