Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has described the passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly as a commendable step towards addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges but cautioned against what he termed a disorderly legislative process and the potential for political abuse.
Obi Calls for Deferment of State Police Implementation
In a statement posted on social media on Friday, June 26, Obi expressed concerns over the possibility of the new policing arrangement being exploited ahead of the 2027 general election. He called for the implementation of state police to be deferred until after the 2027 elections to preserve public confidence in the democratic process.
Obi noted that while the bill marks a significant legislative milestone, the legislative and constitutional implementation appears shaky and raises legitimate concerns. He emphasized that the process should involve greater community participation, with policing more visible at the local government and community levels.
Concerns Over Legislative Process and Political Motives
Obi criticized the mechanism for passing the law as highly disorganized, pointing out that no public hearing was held on such a sensitive issue. He stated, “The rush to enact the law without proper legislative procedures fuels suspicion among many observers about the political motives behind it.”
He highlighted that the greatest concern stems from history, noting a widespread fear that state police forces could become instruments in the hands of governors. Obi warned that a state-controlled police force could be weaponized to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies, and manipulate elections.
Need for Independent Oversight
Obi argued that for state policing to evolve from a risky political gamble into a genuine security solution, the law must not only permit states to establish police forces but also clearly provide for independent oversight bodies, such as a state-level Police Service Commission that is entirely free from executive influence. This would ensure that policing serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite.
He concluded, “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.”
