The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed the proposed salary increases for political office holders, calling the move “an affront to the suffering Nigerian people.”

The proposal, made by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), would significantly increase the pay of top government officials, including the President, Vice President, governors and others.

In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that while the RMAFC has a constitutional mandate to periodically review salaries, doing so at a time of widespread economic hardship shows a lack of empathy and connection to the realities faced by most Nigerians.

“Millions of citizens are battling with rising food prices, high fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage. Proposing a salary hike for political leaders now is tone-deaf and deeply insensitive,” the statement read.

While the RMAFC chairman described the current salaries of political office holders as “inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated,” the ADC argued that these officials already enjoy extensive perks, allowances, and access to opaque discretionary funds benefits that far exceed the incomes of average Nigerians.

“If their salaries are truly inadequate, how then are they able to maintain such extravagant lifestyles?” the party questioned.

The ADC highlighted the disparity between the treatment of political elites and ordinary citizens, citing the national minimum wage of N70,000, which has been largely eroded by inflation and is often unpaid in many states.

“Unlike politicians, most Nigerians receive no allowances to cushion the rising cost of living. This makes the proposed salary increase not just unfair, but morally indefensible,” Abdullahi said.

The party demanded an immediate suspension of the plan, insisting that no salary review should proceed while the majority of Nigerians are struggling with economic hardship.

“Government has no moral right to demand sacrifice from citizens while shielding political elites from the consequences of poor economic policies,” the statement added.

The ADC urged the federal government to redirect its focus toward raising the minimum wage to a livable standard, ensuring prompt payment of civil servants’ salaries, and strengthening social welfare programs to support the most vulnerable populations.

“Rather than enriching those at the top, government policy should be aimed at improving the quality of life for everyday Nigerians,” the party concluded.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to its members, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating that any actions that violate the party’s constitution could lead to sanctions.

This comes in response to Wike’s recent comments during a television interview where he denied knowledge of the party’s upcoming elective national convention scheduled for November.

Wike expressed strong reservations, claiming he had not received any formal notification from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and warned that he and his political allies would resist any form of perceived injustice.

“If there’s an elective convention, I am not aware of it. No NEC notice has been served to me and if anyone tries to play games, we’ll challenge it,” Wike stated.

In a swift response, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, rejected Wike’s assertions.

He confirmed that the NEC was properly convened, notices were duly issued, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been formally notified of the event.

Ologunagba reiterated that the national convention would hold as scheduled in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, and that all preparations were progressing smoothly.

He emphasized that while the party welcomes all members, it expects loyalty and discipline from everyone.

“A political party is a voluntary association. People are free to join or leave, but those who remain must respect the rules and constitution,” Ologunagba warned.

The Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Dayo Ekong, has publicly expressed concerns about the diminishing political influence of former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Ekong urged Obi to take a step back and reconsider his plans to run for president in 2027.

She attributed Obi’s waning popularity to his recent political maneuvers, including his opposition to the Julius Abure-led LP faction and his endorsements of candidates outside the Labour Party.

Ekong wrote: “Peter Obi’s influence appears to be fading as Nigerians grow tired of what many see as inconsistent and self-serving political actions. His once principled stands are now viewed as disruptive, alienating both allies and supporters.”

She pointed to recent election results as proof of Obi’s declining sway, highlighting failures in Edo, Imo, and Anambra States.

Of particular note was the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election in Anambra, which she described as a significant setback.

Before the rerun in Onitsha North 1, Obi abandoned the official LP candidate and endorsed Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), even campaigning with ADC-branded attire.

Despite his support, the ADC candidate lost, the LP candidate’s performance worsened, and the APGA candidate won, all without Obi’s backing.

Ekong criticized Obi for prioritizing personal alliances over party unity, suggesting that such actions are causing his influence to erode even in his political strongholds.

She also pointed to ongoing tensions between Obi and the LP leadership as a factor limiting his broader appeal.

“A prudent and visionary politician like Peter Obi losing so much ground, especially at home, is a worrying sign,” Ekong commented.

“He has surrounded himself with advisors who may not fully grasp the implications of their strategies. The electorate is observing closely and forming opinions ahead of 2027.”

The Labour Party is currently embroiled in a leadership dispute, split mainly between the Julius Abure faction and the camp aligned with Obi and Peter Otti.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that the leadership issue is an internal party matter, dismissing previous lower court judgments in favor of Abure.

Amid this turmoil, Obi and other opposition leaders have formed the National Opposition Coalition Group, adopting the ADC platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Obi insists that this coalition does not amount to anti-party activity, emphasizing that the elections have not yet taken place.