Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said the implementation of state policing in Nigeria should commence only after the 2027 general elections to prevent potential abuse by incumbent governors.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television, Obi argued that although he supports the creation of state police, introducing the system before the next election could undermine democracy if governors use security agencies to influence electoral outcomes.
According to Obi, delaying implementation until after the 2027 polls would help build confidence in the system and reduce fears that state-controlled police could be deployed against political opponents during elections.
He stressed that Nigeria’s current security challenges require structural reforms, including decentralised policing, but insisted that adequate safeguards must be put in place before the new arrangement takes effect.
The former Anambra State governor said the country needs a policing system that is accountable to the people while remaining insulated from political interference.
The debate over state police has gained momentum in recent years as Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Supporters argue that decentralised policing would improve local intelligence gathering and faster response to crime, while critics warn that governors could misuse state-controlled police for political purposes.
Obi maintained that introducing state police after the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity to establish legal and institutional protections before the system becomes operational.
