Peter Obi urges Tinubu to delThe presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election, warning that the new security framework could be vulnerable to political misuse if introduced before the polls.
The Punch reported that Obi’s remarks come shortly after the National Assembly approved the Constitution Alteration Bill aimed at creating state police, a major reform designed to decentralise law enforcement and address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The proposed amendment, which still requires endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before receiving presidential assent, seeks to establish state police commands that would operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The legislation also contains provisions intended to prevent governors from abusing state-controlled police structures, amid longstanding concerns that such agencies could be used to intimidate political opponents.
Despite supporting the concept of decentralised policing, Obi expressed reservations about the manner in which the reform is being implemented, warning that inadequate safeguards could expose the system to manipulation ahead of the next general election.
The former Anambra State governor stated his position in a message posted 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 stressed the need for strong and independent oversight mechanisms, including state Police Service Commissions that are insulated from executive influence, arguing that such measures are necessary to ensure the new policing structure serves citizens rather than political interests.
He further questioned whether the current administration could resist using state police as a political tool ahead of the 2027 elections and therefore urged the Federal Government to postpone its implementation until after the polls.
According to him, “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.”
State police remains one of the most debated constitutional reform proposals in Nigeria.
Advocates argue that decentralising law enforcement would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and improve responses to security threats.
However, critics maintain that governors could exploit state-controlled police agencies for partisan purposes despite safeguards embedded in the proposed legislation.
Although the Senate included measures aimed at limiting political interference and ensuring independent oversight, discussions over the timing and practical implementation of state police continue among political parties, civil society organisations and security experts.
