The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly, describing it as a commendable step toward strengthening Nigeria's security architecture. However, he expressed concern over the manner in which the legislation was passed and warned of its potential misuse for political purposes.

In a statement on Sunday, Mr Obi said the establishment of state police has long been advocated by many Nigerians, security experts, and regional stakeholders who believe that Nigeria's highly centralised policing system is inadequate for a country of its size, diversity, and security challenges.

According to him, while the legislation marks a significant milestone, the constitutional and legislative process surrounding its passage raises legitimate concerns.

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

He criticised what he described as the hurried passage of the bill without adequate public consultation, noting that the absence of a public hearing on such an important national issue has created doubts about the motives behind the legislation.

"The mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised. The rush to enact the law without proper legislative procedures fuels suspicion among many observers about the political motives behind it," he said.

Mr Obi identified the greatest concern as the possibility that state police could become instruments of political control in the hands of state governors.

According to him, many Nigerians fear that state-controlled police forces could be used to suppress political opponents, disrupt opposition activities, and influence electoral outcomes.

To address those concerns, Mr Obi called for the establishment of independent oversight institutions, including state-level Police Service Commissions that would operate free from executive interference.

"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 that ensure policing serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite," he said.

The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern that the implementation of state policing before the 2027 general elections could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He argued that, based on recent political developments, many Nigerians remain unconvinced that the new policing framework would be insulated from political influence.

Mr Obi therefore proposed that the implementation of the State Police law be deferred until after the 2027 general elections to prevent any perception or possibility of its use as a political tool.

The State Police Bill has generated widespread debate across the country, with supporters describing it as a necessary response to Nigeria's worsening security challenges, while critics have continued to raise concerns over accountability, oversight, and the potential for political abuse.