By Ayodele Quadri, Lagos Times Correspondent
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi has refuted viral online reports claiming he urged members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to reject the newly approved salary increase until after the 2027 general election.
In an official statement released on his X handle on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Obi dismissed the report as a deliberate falsehood designed to misrepresent his stance on military welfare. Independent fact-checks by platforms including FactCheckAfrica and The FactCheckHub confirmed that a fabricated graphic bearing the logo of Peoples Gazette had been circulated on social media to propagate the claim.
Key Highlights
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Origin of the False Claim: A graphic dated August 8, 2026, featuring fake branding from Peoples Gazette, falsely attributed a direct quotation to Obi asking soldiers to reject the Federal Government’s newly approved pay raise until after 2027.
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Federal Government Salary Adjustment: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved a 30% to 80% salary hike across various ranks in the Armed Forces, scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026.
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Consistent Position on Welfare: Obi clarified that he has consistently advocated for proper equipment, protection, and improved remuneration for security personnel who risk their lives for the nation.
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Fact-Check Findings: Multiple fact-checking organizations verified that no genuine record, interview, or statement exists where Obi called on the military to reject salary adjustments.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PETER OBI MILITARY SALARY DENIAL MATRIX │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Subject : Peter Obi (Former Anambra State Governor) │
│ • Alleged Statement : "Nigerian Army should reject new salary raise │
│ until after the 2027 election" │
│ │
│ • Fact-Check Verdict : FALSE (Fabricated graphic & misattributed quote)│
│ • Verified Stance : Reaffirms unwavering support for military │
│ welfare, security, and equipment │
│ │
│ • Policy Context : President Tinubu approved 30%–80% pay hike for │
│ Armed Forces starting September 1, 2026 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘“Those Who Ensure Nigeria’s Security Must Never Be Relegated”
“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… My profound respect for our security forces, particularly the Nigerian Army personnel who diligently serve and protect our nation under challenging conditions, is unwavering.” — Peter Obi
“I have consistently advocated for the adequate provision of equipment, motivation, and protection for our security personnel… 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. Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern.” — Peter Obi
