The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have unanimously rejected the planned pay rise for political office holders, calling it “insensitive”, “tone-deaf”, and “ill-timed” considering Nigeria’s deteriorating economic circumstances.
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has announced plans to evaluate the wages of the President, Vice President, ministers, governors, and other top officials, which were last updated in 2008, claiming the compensation system is outmoded.
However, opposition parties argue the move smacks of greed and a disturbing disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians battling hunger, inflation, and an eroding minimum wage of ₦70,000.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, described the move as “a troubling display of disconnect between government and citizens.” He noted that political leaders already live in luxury compared to ordinary Nigerians.
“How else are political office holders able to support their lifestyle of opulence if indeed these so-called ‘outdated’ salaries mean anything to them?” the ADC official queried.
He opined that the review was nothing but selfishness masked as reform. “Proposing such a review when millions are struggling with soaring food inflation, high fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage indicates a total disregard for the people. This is not leadership; it is self-preservation at the expense of citizens,” he declared.
Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, NNPP’s South-West leader, said the plan showed complete disregard for the predicament of Nigerians.
“It is insensitive to raise political office holders’ wages when workers struggle to make a living income.” True leaders tighten their belts before asking citizens to make sacrifices,” he stated.
Ajadi criticised the proposal as dangerous, citing global precedents. “This reeks of tone deafness and greed.
“In other crisis-affected countries, leaders have reduced their own salaries to demonstrate solidarity with residents. Nigeria’s leaders must follow suit, not enrich themselves while the people suffer, he urged.
Similarly, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor slammed the idea as “highly insensitive” and a betrayal of the public trust.
“It is highly insensitive for such an issue to be raised in the midst of hunger, inflation, and the collapse of our naira,” he said. “At this time of economic crisis, leaders should be talking about reducing overheads and promoting accountability, not increasing their own pay.”
Osadolor also warned that ignoring these realities could fuel mass anger.
“Government must focus on easing the burden on ordinary Nigerians. Any attempt to enrich political elites while citizens struggle will only deepen public frustration,” he added.
The parties jointly charged the Federal Government to shelve the salary review and instead focus on raising the minimum wage to a liveable standard, cutting the cost of governance, and addressing the hardship afflicting millions of Nigerians.
“What the nation requires today is fiscal discipline, not politicians feeding fat while citizens suffer,” Ajadi of the NNPP added.
“Rather than enriching political elites, all government policies at this time should prioritise reaching the most vulnerable Nigerians,” Abdullahi of the ADC stressed.
