National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has promised to end the contributory pension scheme for police personnel if the party wins the 2027 presidential election.
Dickson said an NDC government under the presidency of Peter Obi would introduce a better retirement arrangement that guarantees serving and retired police officers a decent life after years of service.
He made the pledge on Friday when about 60 retired senior police officers from Bayelsa West visited him at his country home in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State.
The former Bayelsa governor expressed concern over the hardship faced by retired police officers, particularly their struggles to meet basic needs, maintain their families and cope with health challenges after retirement.
He assured the delegation that police welfare would be a priority under an NDC-led administration, stressing that officers who dedicate their lives to protecting citizens deserve better treatment when they leave service.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the retired officers to declare their political support for Dickson and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after the meeting, a member of the delegation and retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Gold Akponafa, described Dickson as a hero of the Ijaw nation.
He said the senator’s influence extended beyond Bayelsa West, noting that he had continued to speak for Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at the National Assembly.
Akponafa praised Dickson’s political achievements, particularly his role in founding the NDC, which he described as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
He disclosed that the retired officers had unanimously resolved to support Dickson’s re-election bid and work for the success of NDC candidates across Bayelsa State.
According to him, their support would extend to all elective positions, from the presidential contest to the state House of Assembly.
Akponafa also commended Dickson, a former police officer, for what he described as his consistent advocacy for marginalised groups and disadvantaged Nigerians.
The contributory pension scheme has remained a major grievance among retired police personnel, many of whom have complained about inadequate retirement benefits compared with those of retirees from other security agencies.
Dickson’s pledge places police pension reform among the issues the NDC says it would address if elected into power in 2027.