Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says the creation of state police is a commendable step but should not be implemented before the 2027 general election.
Obi stated his position in a post on X on Friday.
Backs state police
Obi said decentralising policing has long been advocated by security experts and regional stakeholders.
He argued that Nigeria’s centralised policing structure is inadequate for a country of its size and diversity.
“The recent passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly marks a significant legislative milestone,” he said.
“For years, many of us… have consistently argued that a highly centralised policing structure is fundamentally unsuitable for a country as vast, diverse and complex as Nigeria.”
Faults legislative process
Furthermore, Obi criticised the process leading to the passage of the bill.
He said lawmakers failed to conduct adequate public consultations on such a sensitive matter.
“The process should involve greater community participation,” he said.
“The mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised, with no public hearing on such a sensitive issue.”
“The rush to enact the law without proper legislative procedures fuels suspicion about the political motives behind it.”
Warns against political misuse
Meanwhile, Obi expressed concern that governors could misuse state police to intimidate political opponents.
He called for independent oversight to prevent abuse.
“The greatest concern… stems from history,” he said.
“A state-controlled police force could be weaponised to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies and manipulate elections.”
He said the law should establish an independent state police service commission free from executive control.
Seeks delay until after 2027
Obi also urged the government to postpone implementation until after the next general election.
He said doing so would reduce fears that state police could be used to influence the polls.
“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,” he said.
“It is necessary to defer its implementation until after the general election.”
