Atiku Promises Police Pension Overhaul, Attacks Tinubu Over Retired Officers
The ADC presidential candidate pledged to reform retirement benefits for police and pass a stalled Exit Bill, criticizing the current administration's handling of officer welfare.
Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has leveled accusations against President Bola Tinubu's administration for its handling of retired police officers. These officers find themselves caught within a deteriorating pension system, according to Atiku.
Through a statement released Monday by Phrank Shaibu, his campaign communications director, he contended that the current government has effectively abandoned those who spent careers in protective service for Nigerians. Many such officers have consequently turned to public protests at the National Pension Commission, seeking to obtain basic retirement benefits they are entitled to.
As part of his 2027 presidential bid, Atiku unveiled the Police Dignity Guarantee Plan. This proposal aims at enhancing gratuity payments alongside pension amounts available to retired officers.
He also made a commitment regarding the Police Exit Bill, which would establish clearer procedures and benefits for those departing from service. That legislation has stalled despite earlier parliamentary work under the current administration.
Multiple reports of his statement show Atiku characterizing the situation as disgraceful, noting that those who risked their lives should not face demands for survival. Police welfare has become an increasingly contentious issue across Nigeria.
Retired officers have conducted repeated demonstrations seeking overdue pension payments and improved retirement packages. The Police Exit Bill remains unresolved at the federal level under present government leadership.
Atiku's pledge represents a direct political challenge to the Tinubu administration on a domestic governance matter affecting security sector constituencies. The former vice president positioned police pension reform as fundamentally concerning national dignity and contractual obligations to uniformed service members.
His campaign statement made no specification regarding exact pension figures or implementation timelines for proposed reforms.
Sources
- Punch Newspapers: Atiku pledges gratuity, improved pensions for police
- Legit.ng: 2027 Election: Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Plight Of Retired Police Officers, Unveils Dignity Plan
- Naijanews: Tinubu Govt Has Left Retired Police Officers To Beg For Survival – Atiku
- Leadership Newspaper: Police Pension: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Abandoning Officers, Vows to Pass Exit Bill
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