A pro-President Bola Tinubu support group, Renewed Hope for the Elderly (RHE), has unveiled plans to mobilise about 24 million votes from senior citizens and pensioners nationwide for the President’s re-election in 2027.
In return, the group urged the Federal Government to institutionalise a workable comprehensive welfare programme for older Nigerians.
The group made the declaration on Sunday during the launch of its nationwide mobilisation campaign in Abuja, where it also advocated expanded healthcare, pension reforms and stronger social protection for the elderly.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of RHE, Dr Debo Olanipekun, said the organisation was established to promote the welfare, inclusion and dignity of Nigeria’s ageing population while supporting policies it believes have improved the lives of senior citizens.
He argued that caring for older citizens should be regarded as a national responsibility rather than an act of charity.
“The welfare of older persons should never be viewed as charity. It is a responsibility. It is a moral obligation and a sound national policy,” he said.
Describing senior citizens as one of Nigeria’s greatest national assets, the RHE boss said retired teachers, civil servants, farmers, military veterans, healthcare professionals and other retirees deserved deliberate government policies that reward their contributions to nation-building.
He lamented that many elderly Nigerians continue to face inadequate social protection, poor healthcare and economic hardship after retirement.
“A nation that fails to honour its elderly gradually weakens itself,” he said.
The group commended President Tinubu’s administration for strengthening the National Senior Citizens Centre and pursuing reforms in pension administration, retirement welfare and geriatric healthcare.
The Director-General said the movement would mobilise retirees, pensioners, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, professional associations and community groups across the country in support of Tinubu’s second-term bid.
He expressed confidence that the President’s re-election would lead to the institutionalisation of welfare programmes for senior citizens.
“We will continue to advocate peacefully, engage constructively and ensure that our elders participate actively in the democratic process, knowing fully well that President Tinubu’s re-election promises the institutionalisation of benefits for the elderly,” Olanipekun said.
Responding to questions from journalists, officials of the organisation said they were projecting approximately 24 million votes from elderly Nigerians across the country.
They promised to embark on nationwide sensitisation campaigns to educate senior citizens on government programmes designed for their benefit while working with stakeholders to advocate expanded welfare schemes, improved healthcare access and stronger implementation of policies affecting older persons.
They also called for the establishment and strengthening of geriatric care facilities nationwide to address the healthcare needs of Nigeria’s growing elderly population.
In his closing remarks, the Director-General urged Nigerians to recognise the contributions of senior citizens and support policies that prioritise their welfare.
“Senior citizens possess knowledge that cannot be replaced by technology. Their wisdom remains one of Nigeria’s greatest national assets,” he said.
He added, “History will judge every generation by how it treated its most vulnerable citizens. Let history record that our generation chose compassion over neglect, inclusion over isolation and dignity over abandonment.”
The launch marked the beginning of RHE’s nationwide campaign to push for enhanced welfare reforms for elderly Nigerians while rallying political support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
(The Whistler)
