Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lashed out at the proposal to increase salaries for political officeholders.
He described the move as both insensitive and scandalous, saying it prioritises leaders’ greed over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) announced on Tuesday that it was considering a review of salaries for the president, vice president, governors, and other top officials.
The plan immediately triggered nationwide outrage, with citizens questioning the morality of such a decision during one of Nigeria’s harshest economic periods.
Obi, in a strongly worded statement titled “Prioritising Leaders’ Greed Over Basic Welfare” shared on his X account, condemned the timing and intent of the proposal.
“The recent proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of political leaders is causing widespread anger and bitterness among Nigerians,” Obi wrote. “It not only portrays the insensitivity of leaders but also exposes their greed.”
The former Anambra governor argued that the RMAFC’s push was nothing more than a reckless attempt to satisfy the selfish desires of politicians while neglecting the real needs of citizens.
He said the proposed hike, which he claimed amounted to more than a 100 percent increase, was unjustifiable.
According to Obi, public office is supposed to be about sacrifice and service to the nation, not a means of enrichment. “It is totally unjustifiable considering the economic realities facing our country,” he said.
“Political office should not be a means to accumulate wealth but an opportunity to serve.”
Obi further criticised the commission for ignoring the plight of public servants, especially security personnel who face dangerous conditions daily but remain poorly paid.
He pointed out that police officers, soldiers, and other frontline workers are overworked, underpaid, and often lack basic welfare support.
“It is very disturbing that the RMAFC is prioritising the welfare of political office holders over that of security personnel, particularly police officers who are grossly underpaid and overworked,” Obi added.
He stressed that Nigeria’s real heroes are the teachers, health workers, and security forces who continue to hold the country together despite overwhelming challenges.
Yet, he said, they remain neglected while politicians enjoy luxury.
The Labour Party candidate urged the federal government to immediately scrap the proposed review and instead focus on improving the lives of citizens and critical workers.
He called on authorities to address the worsening hunger crisis, rising unemployment, and inflation rather than rewarding politicians who already earn far more than the average Nigerian.
“We call on the RMAFC to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, particularly those in the public service, who have been neglected for far too long,” Obi declared.
The debate over politicians’ pay rise has sparked widespread anger across Nigeria.
Opposition parties like the PDP, NNPP, and ADC have also condemned the move, calling it insensitive and reckless. Citizens have taken to social media to express disgust, with many describing the plan as a slap in the face to struggling households battling high food prices and joblessness.
For Obi, the issue symbolises the deep disconnect between Nigeria’s ruling elite and the suffering majority.
He insisted that any government genuinely committed to progress must place the needs of the people above the greed of politicians.