- Peter Obi urged Tinubu to delay state police until after the 2027 election
- He warned the new system could be abused for political purposes
- Obi also called for independent oversight to protect the reform
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to delay the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election, warning that introducing the system before the polls could make it vulnerable to political abuse.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Obi’s appeal comes shortly after the National Assembly approved the Constitution Alteration Bill establishing state police as part of efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen security across the country.
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The proposed amendment, which still requires approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before receiving presidential assent, provides for the creation of state police commands to operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force. It also contains safeguards intended to prevent governors from misusing the new policing structure.
Despite backing the idea of decentralised policing, Obi expressed reservations about the timing and implementation process, arguing that it could undermine public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement shared on his X account titled “State Police: Commendable Step, but Disorderly Legislation Raises Concerns of Political Misuse,” Obi described the bill as a major legislative achievement while questioning aspects of its implementation.
He noted that many Nigerians, security experts and regional stakeholders have long advocated state policing, insisting that Nigeria’s current centralised police system is inadequate for a country of its size and diversity.
However, he argued that the legislative framework still leaves room for concern, particularly regarding transparency and possible political interference.
Obi called for the establishment of truly independent State Police Service Commissions that would operate free from the influence of state governors, stressing that such institutions are necessary to guarantee accountability and protect the integrity of the new security system.
He also warned that there was no certainty the present administration would refrain from using state police to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.
According to him, delaying the rollout until after the general election would help reduce fears of political manipulation and strengthen public trust in the reform.
State police has remained one of Nigeria’s most debated constitutional reforms. Supporters believe it will improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and strengthen responses to insecurity, while critics fear it could become a political tool in the hands of state governments.
Although lawmakers included measures to limit abuse and promote independent oversight, the proposal continues to generate nationwide debate over its implementation and possible impact on Nigeria’s democratic process.
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