ADC
ADC Condemns Planned Pay Rise for Politicians as Affront to the People
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently opposed a proposed salary increase for Nigeria’s political officeholders, calling it a blatant disregard for citizens struggling with severe economic hardship.
The party’s statement, released by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the plan from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to grant substantial pay raises to the President, Vice President, governors, and other top officials.
While acknowledging the RMAFC’s constitutional mandate to review salaries, the ADC argued that timing the increase amid soaring inflation, high fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage demonstrates a profound disconnect from the reality of ordinary Nigerians.
The ADC dismissed the RMAFC chairman’s justification that current salaries are “inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated.” The party countered that these official salaries are already heavily supplemented by numerous opaque allowances, perks, and discretionary funds, which together afford politicians a lifestyle of “luxury and opulence.”
To provide perspective, the party highlighted the national minimum wage of N70,000 per month—a sum already eroded by inflation and not consistently paid. Unlike politicians, most citizens receive no additional allowances to cushion the effect of the rising cost of living.
The ADC labeled the proposal “tone-deaf” and an “all-out affront to the Nigerian people,” demanding its immediate suspension.
The party stated that the government has no moral right to demand sacrifice from citizens while insulating political elites from economic hardships.
Instead of enriching officials, the ADC urged the government to prioritize raising the minimum wage to a livable standard, ensuring civil servants are paid fairly and on time, and strengthening social welfare programs for the most vulnerable Nigerians.
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