Obi Calls for Delay on State Police Until 2027 Elections

Peter Obi, a presidential candidate from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to delay the implementation of the newly approved state police framework until after the 2027 general elections. Obi expressed concerns that the initiative could be exploited for partisan purposes, particularly given the absence of broad public consultation and the rushed legislative process that raised suspicions about the motivations behind the bill.

He emphasized that the current legislative framework appears weak and fails to inspire public confidence. Obi warned that state police could become instruments of political intimidation in the hands of state governors, potentially disrupting opposition campaigns and influencing electoral outcomes.

He stressed the need for independent oversight institutions to ensure that the police serve public interests rather than political agendas. Obi reiterated that significant security reforms require extensive engagement with citizens and stakeholders, advocating for a more transparent and participatory approach to governance.