The Sowore police protest in Abuja has gained national attention as activists and retired officers demand pension reform today.
Omoyele Sowore, 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and retired police officers led the protest.
They gathered near the National Assembly and Force Headquarters, calling for immediate removal from the contributory pension scheme.
Retired officers described the scheme as discriminatory, unjust, and a major reason behind their long-standing economic hardship.
They insisted that the Nigerian government continues ignoring their concerns, leaving them no choice but to take to the streets.
Mannir M. Lawal, chairman of the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers, confirmed protestors arrived from across all 36 states.
“We’ve had enough. We already met with the FCT Commissioner of Police to inform him of our peaceful demonstration,” Lawal said.
He emphasized their only demand: full withdrawal from the contributory pension scheme and refund of all accumulated savings.
Lawal also denied claims that Sowore initiated the protest, saying his group acted independently of any external influence.
“We simply saw Sowore’s post online today. We didn’t plan this with any activist or political organization,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force released a statement accusing unnamed actors of politicizing sensitive internal welfare matters.
Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi accused Sowore and allies of manipulating legitimate grievances for political or disruptive purposes.
“They’re twisting facts, stirring sentiment, and eroding public trust—this isn’t reform, but a calculated move to cause disruption,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to addressing officers’ welfare but warned against public disinformation and incitement.
A leaked memo, reportedly signed by Supol Asokoro, ordered FCT police officers to remain confined in their barracks.
“All officers are confined to barracks until further notice. Acknowledge receipt and ensure full compliance,” the memo partly read.
Sowore responded via social media, blaming the Tinubu administration for failing to respect police officers during and after service.
He wrote, “They suffered in service and now face humiliation in retirement. No pension, no dignity, only excuses and lockdowns.”
Despite backlash, Sowore vowed the protest would proceed. “No spin doctor, no threat can erase decades of injustice,” he added.
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), however, urged retirees to return to dialogue and reconsider the planned nationwide protest.
They stressed that such protests could embarrass the Inspector General of Police and destabilize fragile public trust in the force.
This protest adds pressure to a government already grappling with calls for improved governance and fair treatment of security personnel.
The outcome could shape future conversations around Nigeria’s pension reform, especially for uniformed and frontline service workers.
