Obi sais he had never advised soldiers to reject salary increments, describing the circulating report as “entirely untrue.
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed reports claiming that he asked military personnel to reject any salary increase until after the 2027 general elections.
He described the report as a deliberate misrepresentation of Obi’s position, accusing his political opponents of fabricating statements and attributing them to him in an attempt to discredit his messages.
In a statement on X, Obi said he had never advised soldiers to reject salary increments, describing the circulating report as “entirely untrue.”
“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,” he wrote.
The former Anambra State governor reaffirmed his respect for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly soldiers serving under difficult conditions to protect the country.
He said he had consistently advocated adequate equipment, motivation and protection for security personnel, stressing that the welfare and safety of those defending the country must remain a priority.
Obi also recalled his concern over the loss of soldiers to insurgents following what he described as a delayed rescue effort, questioning why personnel deployed to protect Nigerians could themselves be left vulnerable when they required assistance.
He said his concern for the welfare of the military would remain central to his administration if elected president.
“Should I be elected President, the well-being, resources, safety, and honour of our soldiers will be a paramount priority,” Obi said.
He added that security personnel deserved “our utmost respect, unwavering support, and a government that will unequivocally stand by them.”
According to him, under his leadership, situations in which military personnel are left unprotected while confronting security threats would be eliminated.
Obi urged Nigerians to disregard the report linking him to a call for soldiers to reject salary increases, insisting that his position remained focused on building a secure and prosperous Nigeria.