The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has thrown his weight behind Peter Obi’s position on the proposed creation of state police, saying while the reform is necessary, its implementation should be left to the next administration.
Dickson made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed national security and recent political developments.
His comments come days after the National Assembly passed the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Reacting to the development, Peter Obi had described the passage of the bill as an important step toward improving security but cautioned against rushing its implementation before the 2027 general election.
The NDC presidential candidate argued that introducing state police under the current political climate could expose the system to abuse, warning that some governors might use it to intimidate or silence political opponents.
Supporting Obi’s position, Dickson said he believes state police is a necessary reform but insisted the process should move more cautiously.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu deserves credit for initiating the reform, but the country should avoid implementing such a major constitutional change without adequate safeguards.
“Peter Obi is right, and that is also my view. We can begin the reform process, but we need to slow it down. The implementation should be left for the next government,” Dickson said.
The former Bayelsa State governor maintained that Nigeria’s immediate priority should be addressing insecurity, combating terrorism and creating a peaceful atmosphere for free and credible elections in 2027.
He stressed that national attention and resources should focus on restoring security across the country before embarking on the implementation of state policing.
Dickson’s position adds to the growing national debate over the proposed decentralisation of policing, with supporters arguing it will strengthen security at the grassroots, while critics continue to express concerns over possible political interference and abuse of power.
