The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the proposed increase in the salaries of Nigeria’s political office holders, calling it an “affront to the struggling Nigerian people.”
The party disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
Abdullahi stated that the timing of the salary review by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is insensitive, as millions of citizens are grappling with high inflation, rising fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage.
Abdullahi acknowledged the RMAFC’s constitutional mandate to review emoluments for public office holders but stated that proposing such increases at this time shows how disconnected the government is from the reality of its citizens.
He pointed out that the current salaries of political officials are already supplemented by numerous allowances and perks, which enable a luxurious lifestyle far beyond what an average Nigerian earns.
He contrasted this with the national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month, which he noted has been significantly eroded by inflation.
Abdullahi argued that unlike political office holders, most Nigerians do not receive additional allowances to cushion the effect of the high cost of living.
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For this reason, he called for an immediate suspension of the plan, insisting that the government should focus on improving the lives of its citizens instead of enriching political elites.
Abdullahi stressed that the government has no moral right to ask citizens to make sacrifices while its officials enjoy an “obscene indulgence.”
He said the ADC believes that all government policies should prioritise raising the minimum wage to a livable standard, ensuring civil servants are paid on time, and strengthening social welfare programs for the most vulnerable.
Abdullahi emphasised that political office holders should not be insulated from the economic hardships faced by everyday Nigerians.
