NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the implementation of state police, warning that the new policing system could be abused for political purposes if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
In a statement on friday, Obi described the passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly as a commendable step toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges but questioned the manner in which the legislation was processed.
He said the bill was passed without sufficient public participation or hearings, arguing that such a sensitive issue required broader consultation.
Obi expressed fears that state police could become instruments in the hands of governors to intimidate political opponents, disrupt opposition activities and manipulate elections.
He called for the establishment of independent state-level Police Service Commissions free from executive influence to ensure accountability and prevent abuse.
According to Obi, there is no guarantee the current administration would resist using state policing to influence the 2027 general election by proxy. He therefore urged that the implementation of state police be deferred until after the elections to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
