Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election, warning that introducing the new security structure before the polls could lead to political abuse.
Obi made the call on Friday, days after the National Assembly passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police as part of efforts to decentralise policing and tackle rising insecurity across the country.
The proposed amendment, which is awaiting approval by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before receiving presidential assent, provides for the creation of state police commands alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
It also contains provisions aimed at preventing governors from using the outfit against political opponents.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X handle titled, “State Police: Commendable Step, but Disorderly Legislation Raises Concerns of Political Misuse,” Obi described the passage of the bill as a significant milestone but expressed concerns over its implementation.
“The recent passage of the State Police Bill by the national assembly marks a significant legislative milestone in addressing a long-standing demand of the Nigerian people.
“For years, many of us, alongside security experts and regional stakeholders, have consistently argued that a highly centralised policing structure is fundamentally unsuitable for a country as vast, diverse, and complex as Nigeria. However, the legislative and constitutional implementation appears shaky and raises legitimate concerns,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that while decentralised policing has clear advantages, the timing of its implementation, with the 2027 elections approaching, raises fears that it could be manipulated for political purposes.
He advocated the establishment of independent State Police Service Commissions insulated from executive influence to ensure accountability and prevent abuse.
Obi further argued that there was no guarantee the current administration would refrain from exploiting state police during the next general election.
“Going by what Nigerians have seen so far, there is no guarantee that this administration can resist the temptation to take advantage of state policing to influence the 2027 general election by proxy.
“In view of that possibility and the danger it poses to the polity, it is necessary to defer its implementation until after the general election. A New Nigeria is Possible,” he said.
