Peter Obi Urges Government to Delay State Police Until after 2027 Election, Cites Reasons

According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, June 26, 2026, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to postpone the implementation of State Police until after the 2027 general election, warning that introducing the system before the polls could expose it to political manipulation.

Obi made the call in a statement shared on his official social media page, where he expressed concern that governors could misuse state-controlled police formations to undermine the democratic process if the new policing structure takes effect before Nigerians head to the polls.

According to the former Anambra State governor, although the establishment of State Police represents a significant step towards strengthening the country's security architecture, its implementation should not coincide with a highly competitive election period.

He argued that the prevailing political climate raises concerns about the possibility of abuse by state governments.

"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. 

In view of that possibility and the danger it poses to the polity, it is necessary to defer its implementation until after the general election," Obi stated.

The NDC presidential candidate commended the National Assembly for passing the State Police Bill, describing it as a bold legislative effort aimed at addressing Nigeria's persistent security challenges.

He noted that security experts, civil society groups and many Nigerians have consistently advocated the decentralisation of policing, arguing that the country's growing population, vast geographical size and complex security threats require a policing system that is closer to the people.

However, Obi faulted the process leading to the passage of the legislation, insisting that a reform of such national significance should have involved wider consultation with stakeholders across the country.

According to him, greater community participation would enhance public confidence in the new policing framework and ensure that it reflects the needs and aspirations of citizens.

"The process should involve greater community participation. Policing should be more visible at the local government and community levels," he said.

Obi also stressed the need for strong institutional safeguards to prevent state police from becoming instruments of political oppression.

He proposed the establishment of independent State Police Service Commissions with constitutional guarantees that shield them from interference by governors or other political office holders.

According to him, such oversight bodies would ensure professionalism, accountability and operational independence within state police commands.

"For state policing to evolve from a risky political gamble into a genuine security solution, the law must not only permit states to establish police forces but also clearly provide for independent oversight bodies to ensure that policing serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite," Obi added.

He maintained that while State Police remains a necessary reform for Nigeria's security sector, its credibility and effectiveness will depend on the existence of transparent oversight mechanisms and adequate legal protections against political abuse.

Obi urged the Federal Government, lawmakers and other stakeholders to prioritise the integrity of Nigeria's democratic process by ensuring that the implementation of the new policing system takes place only after the conclusion of the 2027 general election.