The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to suspend discussions on the proposed State Police Bill until after the 2027 general elections, warning that rushing such a major constitutional reform could create unnecessary political and security challenges.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Sowore argued that introducing state policing just months before a nationwide election is ill-timed, saying the country’s immediate priority should be ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process rather than embarking on a far-reaching constitutional amendment.
“I would say that we wait until the elections are over. The election is a major distraction at this time. Everybody is going to be more interested in how to campaign, how to choose their candidates and how to ensure the elections are free and fair,” Sowore said.
According to him, the proposed state police system represents one of the biggest constitutional and structural reforms Nigeria has considered in recent years, warning that introducing it so close to an election could interfere with the democratic process.
“To now insert state policing, a very major constitutional change… that could lead to structural damage or interference with the election, is not the best time. That is the only issue I have with it being rushed,” he added.
Sowore maintained that discussions on state policing should resume immediately after the elections, allowing Nigerians enough time to examine the proposal and determine the best framework for implementing it.
His comments come a day after Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced that the draft National Policing Bill would be presented to President Bola Tinubu on September 3 as part of the administration’s plan to reform Nigeria’s policing system.
Gbajabiamila explained that although the bill would first be submitted to the President, a nationwide consultation involving stakeholders would take place before the final draft is transmitted to the National Assembly.
He also disclosed that the Presidential Working Group had adopted a seven-week implementation timetable covering legal drafting, policy research, data analysis and other preparatory activities aimed at completing the proposed legislation.
Despite the government’s assurances, Sowore insisted the process is moving too quickly and lacks sufficient public participation.
“I also align, and I agree with those people who say this is suspicious, that this is being rushed and it’s not going through proper parliamentary procedures for the enactment of a major law like this because this is a major constitutional change that we are going to experience,” he said.
The AAC presidential candidate argued that Nigerians across the country should be given adequate opportunity to debate the proposal and make meaningful contributions before any decision is taken.
He further expressed concern over the possibility of state governors controlling state police formations, questioning whether political office holders could be trusted with such powers during an election period.
“Nigerian state governors are not trustworthy to be handed security personnel of this scale,” Sowore stated.
He warned that creating state police before the 2027 elections could place security agencies under the influence of powerful governors, potentially affecting the credibility of the electoral process.
Calls for the establishment of state police have intensified in recent years as insecurity continues to affect many parts of Nigeria. While supporters believe decentralising policing will improve security and faster response to crime, critics fear the system could be abused for political purposes and have also raised concerns about funding and accountability.
Source: Channels Television.
