Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed support for the establishment of state police in Nigeria but listed three key reasons why Nigerians should be wary of the plan as it is currently being introduced. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, June 26, Obi reacted to the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly, acknowledging the potential benefits of decentralised policing while raising serious concerns about the process and possible abuses.
Obi Backs State Police but Questions Implementation
Obi stated that the creation of state police represents a major step toward addressing years of calls for a more decentralised security system in Nigeria. He argued that Nigeria's current centralised policing structure has struggled to meet the needs of a country with diverse communities, varying security challenges, and local realities. According to him, policing should be closer to the people, with stronger visibility at the local government and community levels. As he put it: "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."
Concerns Over Law-Making Process
The first reason for caution, according to Obi, is the process through which the legislation was passed. He criticised the approach as "highly disorganised" and lacking transparency and public participation. Obi expressed concern that such an important constitutional and security reform moved forward without enough consultation, especially without a public hearing. "The mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised, with no public hearing on such a sensitive issue," Obi said. He argued that the speed of the process could make people question the intentions behind the move.
Fear of Governors Controlling Police Forces
The second and major concern raised by Obi was the possibility that state police could be controlled by governors and used for political purposes. He said Nigeria's political history has created fears that a state-controlled police system could become a tool for targeting opponents, restricting opposition activities, or influencing elections. "The greatest concern does not arise from logistical issues; it stems from history," he said. Obi called for independent oversight bodies, including a state-level Police Service Commission that would operate without executive control, to ensure policing serves citizens rather than political leaders.
Warning Ahead of 2027 Election
The third reason Obi highlighted is the timing of implementing state police, linking it to fears around the 2027 general election. He said there is concern that state police could be used to influence the election process and called for implementation to be delayed until after the election. "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 wrote. Obi's statement underscores the need for stronger safeguards, oversight, and transparency before the new policing structure takes effect.
Background on the State Police Bill
Earlier reports indicated that the Nigerian Senate passed the State Police Bill into law, introducing major changes to the country's policing structure amid growing security concerns. The legislation allows states and the Federal Capital Territory to establish police services, while creating new oversight bodies, funding arrangements, and safeguards against misuse. The bill also introduces leadership reforms, a two-year transition period, and requires constitutional amendments before full implementation can begin. Obi's concerns add to the ongoing debate about the potential impact of state policing on Nigeria's democracy and security.
