Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has urged President Bola Tinubu to postpone the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election. Obi made this call in a statement posted on his X handle, citing concerns over the transparency and possibility of political abuse in the current implementation process.

The National Assembly had recently passed the Constitution Alteration Bill, which seeks to establish state police commands alongside the Nigeria Police Force. Obi acknowledged that the proposed constitutional amendment is commendable, but expressed concerns that the current legislative and constitutional implementation may raise legitimate concerns.

To guard against abuse, Obi called for strong independent oversight, including state Police Service Commissions insulated from executive control. He emphasized that such safeguards are essential to ensure state police serve the public interest instead of becoming tools of the political elite.

Obi pointed out that there is no guarantee that the current administration will not exploit state police to influence the 2027 general election by proxy. He urged the Federal Government to postpone the implementation of state policing until after the general election, cautioning that a failure to do so could pose a danger to the country's polity.

The proposed state police system has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with supporters arguing that decentralizing policing will improve intelligence gathering, community policing, and rapid response to insecurity. However, critics fear that governors could exploit state-controlled police for partisan purposes.

The Senate had incorporated several provisions designed to limit abuse, including restrictions on political interference and mechanisms for independent oversight. Nevertheless, the proposal continues to generate debate among political parties, civil society groups, and security experts over its timing and implementation.

The implementation of state police has been one of Nigeria's most contentious constitutional reform issues, with its timing and implementation remaining uncertain.

### Key Facts

  • The proposed state police system aims to decentralize policing in Nigeria, with each state having its own police command.
  • The National Assembly has passed the Constitution Alteration Bill, which seeks to establish state police commands alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
  • Peter Obi has urged President Bola Tinubu to postpone the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election.
  • Obi expressed concerns over the transparency and possibility of political abuse in the current implementation process.
  • The proposed constitutional amendment includes safeguards to prevent governors from abusing the new security architecture.
  • Critics argue that governors could exploit state-controlled police for partisan purposes.