The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to postpone the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election, warning that introducing the policing structure before the polls could expose it to political manipulation.
Obi's position comes just days after the National Assembly passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police, a major constitutional reform aimed at decentralising Nigeria's policing system to address worsening insecurity across the country.
The proposed amendment, which is awaiting approval by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can receive presidential assent, provides for the establishment of state police commands to operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The legislation also contains safeguards designed to prevent governors from abusing the new policing structure, following longstanding concerns that state police could be used to intimidate political opponents.
Despite acknowledging the benefits of decentralised policing, Obi expressed concern over the manner in which the reform is being implemented, saying the process raises questions about transparency and the potential for political abuse, especially with the 2027 general election approaching.
The former Anambra State governor made his views known in a statement shared on his X handle titled, "State Police: Commendable Step, but Disorderly Legislation Raises Concerns of Political Misuse."
He said, "The recent passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly marks a significant legislative milestone in addressing a long-standing demand of the Nigerian people.
"For years, many of us, alongside security experts and regional stakeholders, have consistently argued that a highly centralised policing structure is fundamentally unsuitable for a country as vast, diverse, and complex as Nigeria. However, the legislative and constitutional implementation appears shaky and raises legitimate concerns."
Obi further advocated for the establishment of strong and independent oversight mechanisms, including state Police Service Commissions insulated from executive influence, stressing that such institutions are necessary to ensure state police serve the public rather than become instruments of political control.
He also expressed doubts about the current administration's ability to resist the temptation to use state police to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections, urging the Federal Government to delay implementation until after 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.
"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 believe decentralising policing will strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and improve responses to insecurity, critics argue that governors could misuse state-controlled police for political purposes.
Although the Senate incorporated several safeguards into the bill, including provisions limiting political interference and promoting independent oversight, the proposal continues to generate widespread debate among political parties, civil society organisations and security experts regarding its implementation and timing.
DIP CONNECTS Online News reports that discussions over the proposed state police structure are expected to continue as the constitutional amendment progresses through the remaining legislative stages before it can become law.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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