The State Police Implementation plan has received support from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi. However, both warned President Bola Tinubu against rushing the reform. They said a hurried rollout could encourage political abuse before the 2027 general election.
The ADC argued that the Federal Government should not fast-track the constitutional amendment without proper safeguards. Obi also urged Tinubu to delay the rollout until after the 2027 elections to prevent political interference.
The National Assembly passed the Constitution Alteration Bill earlier this week to establish state police. The proposal now awaits approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it goes to the President for assent.
The State Police Implementation proposal seeks to create state police commands alongside the Nigeria Police Force. It also includes measures designed to prevent governors from abusing the new security structure.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party supports state police but insisted that the reform must include strong oversight, accountability, and professionalism.
The party described the Federal Government’s approach as a rushed response to the country’s worsening insecurity. It argued that state police is a long-term structural reform, not a quick solution to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
ADC also criticised the speed of the constitutional amendment. It said lawmakers should allow wider public consultations before approving such an important reform.
The party added that state police would require huge investments in recruitment, training, funding, equipment, and independent oversight before it could operate effectively.
ADC also warned that the Federal Government must not neglect reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, the judiciary, intelligence services, and correctional system while pursuing state police.
Peter Obi also welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill but expressed concern over the implementation process. He said the current framework lacked enough transparency and could expose the system to political misuse.
Obi called for independent State Police Service Commissions that would remain free from executive control. He said such institutions would protect the police from political influence.
The former Anambra State governor warned that the current administration could use state police to influence the 2027 elections. He urged the Federal Government to postpone implementation until after the polls.
State police remains one of Nigeria’s most debated constitutional reforms. Supporters believe it will improve local security and intelligence gathering, while critics fear governors could misuse state-controlled police for political purposes.
