Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to delay the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has advised President Bola Tinubu to suspend plans for state police until after the 2027 election. Obi said his concerns centre on the possibility of political manipulation if the system is introduced before the next general polls.
According to Obi, security reforms should strengthen democracy and protect citizens rather than create opportunities for political abuse. He argued that introducing state police close to an election period could raise concerns about neutrality and the potential use of security structures for political purposes.
The former Anambra State governor said the country should carefully consider the timing and framework for implementing state police. He maintained that security reforms remain important but should be designed in a way that builds public confidence and protects democratic institutions.
The debate over state police has continued for several years, with supporters arguing that decentralised policing would improve security and allow states to respond more effectively to local threats. Critics, however, have repeatedly expressed concerns that governors could misuse state-controlled police formations against political opponents.
President Tinubu’s administration has shown support for discussions on creating state police as part of broader efforts to address insecurity across Nigeria. The proposal has also received backing from some state governors and stakeholders who believe it could strengthen law enforcement at the grassroots level.
The development means the conversation around state police is likely to remain a major political and security issue ahead of the 2027 elections. It also highlights the differing views among political leaders on how best to reform Nigeria’s security architecture while protecting democratic principles.
