Shelve State Police Till After 2027 Elections, Obi Tells Tinubu

Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to shelve the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general elections, citing concerns over potential political abuse and inadequate structural frameworks.

Obi, known for his policy-focused and data-driven approach to governance, argued that while decentralised policing is widely supported as a long-term security solution, the current political climate and lack of a robust legal and operational framework make immediate implementation risky.

In his submission, the former Anambra State Governor warned that rushing the policy without comprehensive legislation, clear funding mechanisms, standardised training protocols, and strong oversight structures could lead to its weaponisation for political purposes, particularly with elections on the horizon.

"The concept of state police is good, but the timing and the framework matter. We must not allow a critical security reform to become a political tool or be implemented without the necessary legal and institutional safeguards," Obi stated.

He maintained that state police require careful planning, constitutional backing, and broad stakeholder consultation to ensure they operate professionally, remain accountable, and do not fall under the undue influence of state executives.

The call comes amid intensifying national debate on police reform, with the Tinubu administration pushing for decentralised policing to tackle Nigeria's worsening security challenges. While many state governors and security experts have backed the initiative, critics have raised concerns about potential politicisation, inadequate funding, and the need for legislative clarity before full implementation.

Obi's position aligns with a growing chorus of stakeholders who argue that security reforms should be depoliticised and implemented through a transparent, consultative process that prioritises institutional strength over political expediency. He urged the government to focus on strengthening the existing Nigeria Police Force, improving personnel welfare, and enhancing intelligence coordination in the interim.

The Labour Party leader also stressed that any security policy must be insulated from electoral politics, warning that premature rollout could undermine public trust and compromise the very security objectives it seeks to achieve.

As the national discourse on state police continues, Obi's intervention adds another dimension to the debate, underscoring the need for careful planning, legal compliance, and public confidence in the reform process.

The Presidency has yet to issue a direct response to the recommendation, but the issue is expected to remain a key subject of legislative and political deliberations in the coming months.