Atiku Demands Action on Police Pensions, Salary Review Under Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has leveled accusations against President Bola Tinubu's administration for its treatment of retired police officers, many of whom endure poverty and struggle to cover basic necessities. Through his campaign council, Atiku released a statement on Sunday, October 18, 2026, characterizing the plight as evidence that the Federal Government has failed those who devoted their working lives to serving the nation.

To illustrate the severity of the problem, Atiku pointed to a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police whose monthly stipend totals merely N29,000. This example underscores what he views as grossly inadequate pension provisions.

A broader troubling pattern has emerged: those still in active service are withdrawing from their pension accounts to provide for their families, while pensioners grapple with sickness and food insecurity because state support remains insufficient. Atiku characterized such conditions as a blight on the nation, demanding prompt presidential action.

The former Vice President outlined three pressing demands: urgent disclosure regarding the Police Exit Bill's current standing, compensation adjustment for officers in active positions, and strengthened welfare frameworks for those who have retired. He observed that servicemembers in the Armed Forces had recently secured improved pay, thereby highlighting disparities in how different security institutions are treated.

To address these gaps, Atiku introduced a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, which would reshape both retirement benefits and remuneration structures for current personnel. Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, issued the statement.

However, specifics about implementation timelines or operational details of the proposed initiative remain absent. News outlets reviewed reported no official position from the presidency at that time.