ADC Rejects Pay Rise For Politicians, Demands Wage Review For Workers
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the proposed salary increase for political office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), describing it as insensitive and disconnected from the reality of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said any upward adjustment in the pay of the President, Vice President, governors and other senior officials would be “an affront to citizens who continue to endure severe economic hardship.”
The ADC noted that while RMAFC has the constitutional duty to review salaries and allowances of public officials, the current economic situation makes such adjustment inappropriate.
“Proposing such review at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with soaring food inflation, high cost of fuel, and largely unpaid minimum wage indicates a total disregard for the people,” Abdullahi said.
The party stressed that political office holders already enjoy allowances, perks and discretionary funds that “far exceed the earnings of ordinary Nigerians.”
It added that the N70,000 national minimum wage had been eroded by inflation, leaving most workers without any form of supplementary allowances to cushion the rising cost of living.
“Government has no moral right to demand sacrifice from ordinary citizens while seeking to improve the comfort of political elites. No such increase should be implemented while Nigerians continue to experience extreme financial difficulty,” the statement added.
The ADC urged the Federal Government to suspend the proposed pay rise and instead focus on raising the minimum wage to a living standard, ensuring regular payment of salaries and strengthening social safety nets for vulnerable groups.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
