Retired DIG Ari Ali denies age claims, eyes 2027 Senate bid

Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Ari Mohammed Ali, has firmly refuted claims suggesting he was prematurely removed from service over alleged age falsification and breaches of service regulations.

In a statement issued over the weekend by his media aide, Ibrahim Anas Alemani, Ali described the reports as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.”

He emphasized that he served the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with unwavering integrity, retiring honorably after a career marked by professionalism, dedication, and excellence.

Tracing Ali’s distinguished career, the statement recalled that he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as part of the Course 16 Cadet ASPs, undergoing rigorous training at the Police Academy in Kaduna State.

Over the years, he served across several critical commands, including Delta, Bayelsa, Lagos, Rivers, and Kano States, and at the prestigious Police Staff College in Jos.

Ali rose through the ranks to occupy key operational roles, notably as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Lagos State for three years.

During that time, he was recognized with the prestigious Security Watch Africa Award of Excellence in 2018, where he was named the Best Operations Officer in African Security.

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Between 2021 and 2023, as Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Ali’s leadership saw the state being rated among the safest in Nigeria.

His success in Delta catapulted him to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in 2023, where he was first assigned to Zone 2, Lagos, before moving to the Force Headquarters as AIG in charge of Community Policing. He later served as AIG Zone 1, Kano.

On November 24, 2024, Ali achieved the pinnacle of his career when he was promoted to Deputy Inspector General of Police, overseeing Operations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

He retired officially on March 1, 2025, after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60 years and completing the mandatory 35 years in service — a record his media team insists is unblemished and lawful.

Commenting on the recent spate of rumors, Ibrahim Alemani said, “The malicious reports are nothing but attempts to discredit a man who served Nigeria loyally. DIG Ali retired voluntarily and honorably, contrary to the unfounded claims being circulated.”

Meanwhile, sources close to Ali confirm that the retired police chief has now ventured into politics.

He has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and intends to contest for the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts see Ali’s move as part of a growing trend of senior retired security officials transitioning into politics. His ambitions mirror that of former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who also made political inroads in Nasarawa State after his retirement.

Speaking on Ali’s prospects, Abuja-based political analyst Musa Ahmed noted, “Given his pedigree, grassroots connection, and the respect he commands in Nasarawa, DIG Ali could become a significant force in the 2027 senatorial race.

His law enforcement background and commitment to community development will likely resonate with voters.”

As Nigeria’s political atmosphere heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, Ali’s emergence adds another interesting dynamic to the contest in Nasarawa South, a key battleground to watch.