Peter Obi Urges Delay in State Police Implementation Until After 2027 Elections

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly but called for its implementation to be postponed until after the 2027 general elections.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Friday, June 26, Obi described the bill as a significant step towards tackling Nigeria's persistent security challenges but expressed concern over what he termed a flawed legislative process and the potential for political misuse of state-controlled police forces.

According to Obi, Nigeria's highly centralised policing system has long been unsuitable for a country of its size, diversity, and complexity. He said many stakeholders, including security experts and regional leaders, had consistently advocated for state policing.

However, he argued that the process leading to the passage of the bill lacked transparency and sufficient public participation.

"The process should involve greater community participation. Policing should be more visible at the local government and community levels. The mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised, with no public hearing on such a sensitive issue," Obi stated.

He warned that the speed with which the legislation was passed had created suspicion over the motives behind it.

Obi also expressed fears that state police could be exploited by governors to suppress political opponents, disrupt opposition activities, and influence election outcomes.

"The greatest concern does not arise from logistical issues; it stems from history. There is a widespread, justifiable fear that state police forces could become instruments in the hands of governors. The suspicion is that a state-controlled police force could be weaponised to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies, and manipulate elections," he said.

To prevent abuse, Obi called for the establishment of independent oversight bodies, including state-level Police Service Commissions insulated from executive influence, to ensure accountability and professionalism in the operation of state police.

He further argued that the current administration has not inspired sufficient confidence that the new policing structure would be insulated from political interference ahead of 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," Obi said.