Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Federal Government to delay the implementation of State Police until after the 2027 general election, warning that early rollout could see the system hijacked for political ends.
Obi’s position was contained in a statement posted on his official page.
According to him, introducing state-controlled police forces before the next polls could enable governors to intimidate opponents, disrupt opposition activities, and influence election outcomes.
“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 stated.
He described the passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly as a commendable step toward tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, adding that experts and many Nigerians had long pushed for decentralised policing given the country’s size and complexity.
presidential candidate
Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC
However, Obi faulted the legislative process, arguing that a law of such national importance required broader public consultation.
“The process should involve greater community participation. Policing should be more visible at the local government and community levels,” he said.
Obi further urged the creation of independent state-level Police Service Commissions insulated from executive influence, saying such oversight bodies would prevent state police from being used to serve political interests.
