Retirees in Edo State have pledged to mobilise votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s approval of their return to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The pensioners made the pledge on Wednesday during a solidarity and appreciation visit to the Edo State Government House in Benin City, where they commended the governor for addressing their longstanding concerns over pension payments.
Chairman of the Association of Retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, Asemota Osagie Andrew, said the governor’s decision had demonstrated his administration’s willingness to listen to the plight of retirees.
Andrew, who said he retired after 35 years of service, described the contributory pension arrangement under the previous administration as unfavourable to many retirees.
He said the association was prepared to support Okpebholo politically and mobilise votes for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We are here to thank you for matching words with action,” Andrew said, adding that the retirees were ready to help deliver the 2.5 million votes the governor had reportedly promised the President.
He recalled that the association had appealed to Okpebholo to return its members to the Defined Benefits Scheme and was assured that their concerns would be considered.
“Within two weeks of our discussion, you granted our request,” he said, contrasting Edo’s situation with that of pensioners in Lagos State, whom he said were still seeking a similar resolution.
The association’s secretary, Aikpitanyi Felix, also praised the governor, saying the retirees’ appreciation would translate into political support for the ruling administration in 2027.
According to Felix, the pensioners had endured difficulties under the previous administration, which he accused of failing to address their complaints.
“You have come to develop the state’s infrastructure, but also to develop its people,” he said.
Other members of the delegation, including Lawrence Osifo, Veronica Ojehumen and Mercy Itohan, also expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged their support for the 2.5 million-vote target.
Responding, Okpebholo said his administration remained committed to developing Edo State and improving the welfare of its residents.
The governor maintained that addressing the challenges facing the people was central to his mandate, stressing that his decisions would be guided by the interests of Edo residents.
“I was voted for because of the plight of Edo people, and I am in office to solve the challenges facing them,” he said.
“Anything that will not benefit Edo people, I will not do it.”
Okpebholo also commended Tinubu, describing the President as a leader who cares about the welfare of Edo people and whose support had contributed to his administration’s achievements.
He disclosed that he consulted the President on the pensioners’ concerns before approving their request.
“I asked the President about your issue, and he gave me the go-ahead,” the governor said.
The development comes as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general election, with the pensioners’ pledge linking their appreciation of the state government’s pension decision to support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
