Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has denied reports claiming that he asked Nigerian soldiers to reject the recently approved salary increase for military personnel.
Obi said the report falsely attributed a statement to him suggesting that soldiers should reject any salary increment until after the 2027 elections.
In a clarification, the former Anambra State governor said the assertion was entirely untrue and urged Nigerians to disregard the report.
The controversy emerged shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with the review reportedly providing increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent.
Obi has previously criticised the disparity between increases awarded to political office holders and the economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians. However, he said this should not be misrepresented as a call for military personnel to reject improved pay.
The clarification is important amid the rapid circulation of political claims and statements across social media, particularly as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Fact-checking outlets have also found no credible evidence that Obi made the alleged call for soldiers to reject the salary increase.