The Presidency has criticised Peter Obi’s proposal that the implementation of state police be postponed until after the 2027 general election, describing the position as inconsistent with Nigeria’s security realities.
The Presidency has expressed disappointment with comments by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, urging the Federal Government to postpone the implementation of the newly approved state police framework until after the 2027 general election.
Obi had argued that although he supports the creation of state police, the initiative should not be implemented before the next general election. According to him, introducing the framework ahead of the polls could expose it to political misuse and influence the electoral process by proxy.
Reacting to the proposal, the Presidency rejected Obi’s position, questioning the logic of delaying a security reform intended to address the country’s security challenges. The response adds to recent exchanges between the Federal Government and the former Anambra State governor over national policy and governance issues.
The development places renewed attention on the ongoing debate surrounding state policing, particularly as the Federal Government advances plans for its implementation while political actors continue to express differing views on the timing of the reform.
As of Friday, the Presidency maintained its opposition to Obi’s recommendation, while Obi continued to insist that the policy should take effect only after the 2027 general election.