Benin, June 26, 2026 – Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has advised that the implementation of state policing in Nigeria should be postponed until after the 2027 general elections to prevent possible political abuse.
Obi made the recommendation on Friday while reacting to the Senate’s approval of legislation seeking to establish state police across the country.
In a statement shared on his X account, he welcomed the move as an important step toward improving security but expressed concerns about the manner in which the legislation was processed and the risks associated with its immediate implementation.
According to him, many Nigerians and security professionals have long advocated decentralised policing, arguing that the country’s current centralised system is inadequate for addressing security challenges in a nation as large and diverse as Nigeria.
While acknowledging the significance of the legislation, Obi maintained that aspects of its constitutional and operational framework require closer examination.
He stressed the need for broader public engagement, noting that policing should be rooted in local communities and local government structures to ensure effectiveness and accountability.
The former governor questioned the legislative process leading to the bill’s passage, arguing that such a sensitive national issue deserved extensive public consultation and scrutiny.
He warned that the speed with which the legislation was advanced could generate doubts about the intentions behind it and create unnecessary public suspicion.
Obi also highlighted concerns that state police forces could be subjected to political influence if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
He said many Nigerians fear that governors could deploy state-controlled police formations against political opponents, interfere with opposition activities, and influence electoral processes.
To prevent such outcomes, he called for the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, including state Police Service Commissions insulated from executive control.
According to him, these institutions would help ensure that state police operate in the interest of citizens rather than serving partisan political interests.
Obi further argued that, given prevailing concerns about the conduct of political actors, there is insufficient assurance that state policing would not be exploited during the next election cycle.
He maintained that delaying the commencement of state police operations until after the 2027 elections would help build public confidence, reduce fears of political manipulation, and create room for stronger institutional safeguards.
The former presidential candidate concluded that while state policing remains a necessary reform, its success depends on transparency, public trust, and a framework that guarantees professionalism and independence.