Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former governor of Anambra State, has called on the federal government to suspend the implementation of the State Police Bill until after the 2027 general election. Obi made this request in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, expressing concerns that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu could use state police to target opposition politicians in the upcoming election.
Legislative Progress of the Bill
On 11 June, the House of Representatives approved a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria. The Senate also passed the bill on Wednesday. Despite this legislative progress, Obi argued that the timing and process raise serious concerns.
"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," he said.
Concerns Over Legislative Process
Obi acknowledged that the passage of the bill by the National Assembly marks "a significant legislative milestone in addressing" insecurity in Nigeria, but he described the hasty passage as suspicious. He noted that the bill was passed without a public hearing, stressing that policing should be more visible at the local government and community levels.
"Indeed, the rush to enact the law without proper legislative procedures fuels suspicion among many observers about the political motives behind it," he stated.
Risk of Gubernatorial Hijack
The former governor highlighted the greatest concern: the possibility that state governors could hijack the state police. "There is a widespread, justifiable fear that state police forces could become instruments in the hands of governors. The suspicion is that a state-controlled police force could be weaponised to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies, and manipulate elections," he explained.
Obi emphasized that for state policing to become a genuine security solution, the law must not only permit states to establish police forces but also provide for independent oversight bodies, such as a state-level Police Service Commission free from executive influence, to ensure policing serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite.
Broader Implications
Obi argued that while the existing centralized policing structure is unsuitable for a complex country like Nigeria, the legislative and constitutional implementation of the State Police Bill "appears shaky and raises legitimate concerns." He called for a more thorough and transparent process before any implementation.
The call for suspension adds to the growing debate over the State Police Bill, which proponents argue will improve security at the grassroots level, while critics warn of potential abuse by state governors. The bill now awaits further legislative action and potential presidential assent.
