Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 elections, Peter Obi, has called for the implementation of state police to be delayed until after the next general election.
The former Anambra State governor raised concerns that the proposed policing structure could be politicised and misused if introduced before the polls.
Obi made this known in a post on X on Friday, days after the Nigerian Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police services across the country.
The Senate had approved the bill as part of broader efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen the nation’s security framework.
However, Obi argued that there is no guarantee the current administration would not exploit the new system for political gain during the 2027 elections.
According to him, the risk of abuse poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, making it necessary to postpone the implementation until after the elections.
He also questioned the process through which the bill was passed, noting that there was little public consultation and insufficient legislative scrutiny on such a sensitive matter.
While acknowledging that decentralised policing has long been advocated by security experts, Obi insisted that the process should involve stronger community participation and clearer institutional safeguards.
As part of his recommendations, he proposed the creation of independent state-level Police Service Commissions to ensure state police remain accountable and free from political control.
The proposal for state police has continued to generate mixed reactions, with supporters seeing it as a solution to rising insecurity, while critics worry about funding, abuse of power, and political interference.
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BACKSTORY:
The call by Peter Obi comes after the Nigerian Senate recently passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police as part of broader efforts to reform the country’s security system.
For years, there have been growing calls for decentralised policing in Nigeria, with many security experts and stakeholders arguing that state police would improve intelligence gathering and local response to insecurity.
Supporters believe the move could help tackle rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence across the country.
However, the proposal has remained controversial, with critics warning that state governors could misuse the police for political purposes, especially during elections.
Obi’s concerns reflect those fears, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, where political tensions are expected to rise.
His position adds to the wider debate on how to balance security reforms with democratic safeguards and prevent political interference in law enforcement.
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