The Federal Government has announced plans to review the salaries of top political office holders, including the President, governors, ministers, and other senior officials. Officials say the current pay is no longer enough considering the responsibilities and challenges these leaders face.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Mohammed Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), revealed that President Bola Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million per month, while ministers take home less than ₦1 million monthly. These figures, he noted, have not changed since 2008. Shehu described the current pay structure as “unrealistic” and “untenable” for the people in these positions.

Shehu also highlighted huge gaps in pay across government offices. For example, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria earns about ten times more than the President, while heads of certain agencies can make up to twenty times more than the Attorney-General of the Federation. He called this imbalance “unfair and unacceptable.”

The RMAFC emphasized that it is constitutionally responsible for determining the salaries of political, judicial, and legislative office holders, though it does not control salaries for civil servants or other public sector workers. The proposed review has drawn criticism from labor groups. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) argued that the move overlooks growing inequality and the many allowances and perks already available to public officials.

The government says it will engage with labor unions, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to ensure a fair approach to the salary adjustments.

As the 2027 presidential race draws closer, conversations around alliances and sacrifices are getting louder. Two names that stand out in the mix are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra governor Peter Obi. Both men now belong to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a platform that is pushing to challenge the ruling party.

For now, Obi has made it clear that he is not contesting as anyone’s deputy. He insists he is in the race for the top job and denies having any agreement with Atiku. Still, political watchers have not stopped speculating about a possible deal that could see one of them step down for the other.

If Obi were to step aside for Atiku, a few things could happen. First, the opposition could suddenly look stronger. Atiku commands influence in the north, while Obi carries the backing of young, urban, and southern voters. Together, that combination could shake the ruling party and create real competition.

But the risks are also obvious. Obi’s supporters, popularly called the “Obidients,” might not take it lightly. Many of them see him as a symbol of change, not someone who compromises for political convenience. If he drops out, a section of his base might feel betrayed and even pull back from the polls.

Inside the ADC, such a move could also cause problems. There are already controversies about zoning, fairness, and the need for fresh leadership. An Obi withdrawal in favor of Atiku could cause issues and weaken the unity the coalition is trying to build.

At the same time, critics and rivals would not miss the chance to frame Obi’s decision as a sell-out move. They would question whether he truly stands by the principles he preaches. That could hurt his image, even if the alliance looks good on paper.

Wrapping up, if Obi steps down for Atiku, the opposition may look more united, but it risks losing the energy and loyalty that Obi himself brings to the race. For now, he insists he is not backing out, and there is no concrete agreement suggesting otherwise.

Former Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi is once again stressing the importance of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC), calling it the true bridge to a new Nigeria. In a post on his X handle, the former presidential candidate urged Nigerians, young and old, to see their PVC as more than just a card but as a weapon of change.

According to him, the PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield for the weak, and the tool of the poor to challenge injustice and failed leadership. He encouraged citizens to get organised, register, collect their PVCs, and make election rigging difficult.

Obi warned against vote buying, describing it as a dangerous trap. He said politicians who buy votes are not showing kindness but investing in corruption, using stolen mandates to loot public funds meant for schools, hospitals, and jobs. Also, he likened such leaders to criminals, no different from armed robbers and kidnappers, because of the destruction they cause.

He also cautioned voters against selling their votes, saying it is not just selling an election but selling away opportunities that could uplift families from poverty. In addition, he pointed out that selling votes means trading away the hospitals that could save loved ones, the schools children deserve, and the jobs that bring dignity.

As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 elections, Obi called on citizens to take responsibility for building the country they dream of. He urged them to safeguard their PVCs and use them wisely, voting for leaders with competence, character, and compassion.

In essence, his message reminds Nigerians that the power to change the nation lies in their hands. “Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for their selfish gain,” he said.