Obi Urges Tinubu to Delay State Police Until 2027 Elections

Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, called on President Bola Tinubu to delay the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general elections. Obi expressed concerns that introducing a new police structure before the elections could lead to political manipulation and abuse by governors.

His statement followed the National Assembly's passage of a constitutional amendment bill aimed at establishing state police, a significant reform intended to decentralize Nigeria's policing system in response to growing insecurity. The proposed amendment awaits approval from at least 24 state houses of assembly and presidential assent.

Obi emphasized the need for strong independent oversight to prevent the state police from being misused for political purposes, especially as the 2027 elections approach. He argued that there is no guarantee that the current administration would refrain from exploiting state police for political gain, thus advocating for a postponement until after the elections.