Obi Calls for State Police Implementation Delay Until 2027

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged for the implementation of state police to be postponed until after the 2027 general elections. He expressed concerns regarding the potential for political abuse and the disorganized legislative process that led to the passage of the state police bill by the National Assembly.

Obi highlighted the inadequacies of Nigeria's highly centralized police structure, which he believes necessitates reform. He emphasized the importance of public participation in the legislative process, noting that the lack of public hearings could lead to the misuse of state police by governors to suppress political opposition.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, advocated for the establishment of an independent oversight institution, including a state police service commission, to ensure that state police operate in the public interest. He expressed doubt about the current administration's ability to resist using the proposed security structure for political purposes, urging that legal safeguards be instituted to protect Nigeria's democratic processes.