Retired police officers could get a new retirement package if the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) wins the 2027 general elections, with the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, promising to pull the Nigeria Police Force out of the contributory pension scheme.
Dickson said an NDC government under presidential candidate Peter Obi would prioritise the welfare of serving and retired police personnel, arguing that those who risk their lives to protect citizens should not be abandoned after retirement.
He made the commitment on Friday when about 60 retired senior police officers from Bayelsa West visited him at his country home in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State.
The senator expressed concern over the difficult conditions confronting many retired officers, particularly their struggles to provide for their families, meet medical expenses and maintain a decent standard of living.
He assured the delegation that police pension reform would receive attention under an NDC administration.
The visit also turned into a show of political solidarity, with the retired officers declaring their readiness to mobilise support for Dickson and the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Gold Akponafa, described Dickson as a hero of the Ijaw nation.
He said the senator had distinguished himself through his representation of Bayelsa West and his advocacy for the wider Niger Delta region.
Akponafa particularly praised Dickson’s role in establishing the NDC, describing the party as a credible opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling establishment.
He disclosed that the retired officers had unanimously agreed to support Dickson’s re-election and campaign for NDC candidates across Bayelsa State.
Their commitment, he said, would cover the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly elections.
Akponafa also acknowledged Dickson’s background as a former police officer, saying his understanding of the challenges within the force made his intervention on pension matters significant.
The contributory pension scheme has remained a contentious issue among retired police officers, many of whom have complained about inadequate retirement benefits and the difficulties of surviving after decades of service.
Dickson’s pledge adds police welfare to the policy issues the NDC is placing before Nigerians as political activities gather momentum ahead of 2027.
