The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to postpone the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election, warning that introducing the new policing structure before the polls could expose it to political manipulation.
Obi’s call comes days after the National Assembly passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police as part of efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system and tackle rising insecurity.
The proposed amendment, which still requires approval by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before receiving presidential assent, provides for the establishment of state police commands alongside the Nigeria Police Force. It also contains safeguards intended to prevent governors from abusing the new security structure for political purposes.
Despite acknowledging the significance of the reform, Obi expressed concerns over the timing of its implementation, arguing that the process lacks sufficient transparency and could be exploited ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement posted on his X handle titled “State Police: Commendable Step, but Disorderly Legislation Raises Concerns of Political Misuse,” the former Anambra State governor described the passage of the bill as a major legislative milestone but warned that there was no assurance the current administration would resist the temptation to use state police to influence the outcome of the next general election.
“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,” Obi stated.
State police remains one of Nigeria’s most debated constitutional reforms. While supporters argue that decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering, community policing and rapid response to insecurity, critics fear governors could deploy state-controlled police against political opponents.
Although the Senate included provisions aimed at limiting political interference and ensuring independent oversight, the proposal continues to generate debate among political parties, civil society organisations and security experts over its timing and implementation.