A pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) support group, Renewed Hope for the Elderly (RHE), has declared its intention to mobilise an estimated 24 million elderly Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in the 2027 presidential poll.
The group said its endorsement was driven by what it described as the Tinubu administration's commitment to improving the welfare, social protection and political inclusion of senior citizens through targeted policies and programmes.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Director-General and National Coordinator of RHE, Dr. Bode Olanipekun, stressed that the welfare of elderly Nigerians must remain a national priority, insisting that senior citizens deserve dignity and adequate support after years of service to the country.
He said the group's mobilisation drive was informed by the decisive role older voters have consistently played in determining election outcomes.
According to him, about 6.1 million senior citizens participated in the 2023 presidential election out of the 24.7 million total votes cast, underscoring their electoral significance.
Olanipekun noted that the voting trend had remained largely consistent over the years, except in 2019 when increased youth participation, fuelled by social media engagement, altered the pattern.
He said many elderly Nigerians were yet to fully appreciate the policies and programmes introduced by the current administration for their benefit.
"Our goal is to sensitise and educate senior citizens on the gains of the administration and why they should support its continuity. We are taking this campaign to all local governments and wards across the country, and based on our projections, we are targeting about 24 million votes," he said.
The RHE coordinator commended the Federal Government for strengthening the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), describing it as a demonstration of renewed commitment to addressing the needs of older persons.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts on pension reforms, improved retirement welfare, expanded access to specialised geriatric healthcare and initiatives promoting healthy and active ageing.
Olanipekun further praised the initiatives of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly gardening and subsistence farming programmes for elderly citizens, saying they enhance food security, improve physical and mental well-being and provide additional income for retirees.
He called for increased investment in post-retirement skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, mentorship and lifelong learning, arguing that retirees remain valuable national assets whose wealth of experience should continue to contribute to national development.
The group urged the Federal Government to sustain reforms aimed at ensuring prompt pension payments, affordable healthcare, age-friendly housing, stronger social protection, financial inclusion, digital literacy for retirees and tougher legal measures against elder abuse and discrimination.
RHE said it would embark on nationwide mobilisation of pensioners, retirees, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, professional associations and community groups to rally support for Tinubu's second-term ambition.
According to the group, the continuation of the current administration would help institutionalise policies designed to improve the quality of life of elderly Nigerians.
It also encouraged senior citizens to register to vote, participate actively in the electoral process and support leaders committed to policies that promote inclusion, social welfare and dignity in old age.
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