TDFormer Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a strongly worded statement on the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly, describing the move as a “commendable step” but warning that its disorderly legislative process raises serious concerns of political misuse.
Obi, writing on his official X account, acknowledged that decentralising Nigeria’s policing system has long been a demand of citizens, security experts, and regional stakeholders. For years, critics of the centralised Nigerian Police Force have argued that a single, highly centralised structure is ill-suited for a country as vast, diverse, and complex as Nigeria. State-level policing, they contend, could bring law enforcement closer to communities, improve response times, and enhance accountability.
Yet Obi cautioned that the manner in which the bill was passed undermines its credibility. He noted that the legislation was rushed through without public hearings or meaningful community participation, despite the sensitivity of the issue. According to him, this lack of transparency fuels suspicion that political motives, rather than genuine security reform, may be driving the process.
“The greatest concern does not arise from logistical issues; it stems from history. There is a widespread, justifiable fear that state police forces could become instruments in the hands of governors… weaponised to suppress political rivals, disrupt opposition rallies, and manipulate elections,” Obi wrote.
His remarks reflect a broader national anxiety: while many Nigerians welcome the idea of state policing, they also fear its potential abuse in a political environment where institutions are often vulnerable to executive influence. Obi argued that for state policing to evolve into a genuine solution rather than a risky gamble, the law must establish independent oversight bodies — such as state-level Police Service Commissions — that are free from gubernatorial control.
He further warned that the timing of the bill’s passage raises red flags ahead of the 2027 general elections. Without strong safeguards, he said, there is no guarantee that the current administration will resist the temptation to exploit state policing as a proxy tool to influence electoral outcomes.
“Going by what Nigerians have seen so far, there is no guarantee that this administration can resist the temptation to take advantage of state policing to influence the 2027 general election by proxy. It is necessary to defer its implementation until after the general election,” Obi cautioned.
The statement has already sparked debate across political and civic circles. Supporters of state policing argue that insecurity demands urgent decentralisation, while critics echo Obi’s concerns about potential misuse. His intervention underscores the delicate balance between reforming Nigeria’s security architecture and safeguarding democratic freedoms.
Obi concluded his message with his familiar refrain: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
