The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed the plan to increase the salaries of political office holders in Nigeria, insisting that ordinary citizens deserve a pay rise instead.
The proposal, reportedly under consideration by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), would review the earnings of the President, Vice President, governors, and other top officials.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the move as tone-deaf and insensitive to the struggles of Nigerians grappling with soaring food prices, high fuel costs, and a minimum wage that has already been eroded by inflation.
“We are aware of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to review salaries of political office holders, but proposing such at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling only shows a total disregard for the people,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that politicians already benefit from extensive allowances and perks that far exceed their basic salaries, allowing them to maintain luxury lifestyles while ordinary Nigerians face hardship.
The ADC stressed that instead of considering pay hikes for political elites, government should prioritize increasing workers’ wages and strengthening social welfare programs.
The party further argued that politicians cannot be shielded from economic realities while everyday citizens bear the brunt of hardship. It called for the immediate suspension of the salary increase plan, describing it as unfair, unjustified, and an affront to struggling Nigerians.
According to the ADC, leaders have no moral right to demand sacrifice from the people while enriching themselves. The party urged government to channel policies toward raising the minimum wage to a living standard, ensuring fair and timely payment for civil servants, and improving conditions for vulnerable groups.
