By Sunday Ameh
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to suspend deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill until after the 2027 general elections, warning that rushing such a fundamental constitutional reform could undermine the electoral process.
Speaking on Tuesday during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Sowore said introducing state policing at a time when political parties are preparing for elections could become a distraction and create opportunities for abuse.
According to him, the country should first conclude the 2027 elections before embarking on extensive discussions about restructuring the nation’s policing architecture.
“I would say that we wait until the elections are over. The election is a major distraction at this time. 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,” he said.
Sowore also criticised what he described as the hurried manner in which the proposed legislation is being processed, arguing that such a significant constitutional amendment should undergo broad public consultation across the country.
“I agree with those who say this is suspicious, that it is being rushed and not going through proper parliamentary procedures. This is a major constitutional change and it should have been opened to public debate so Nigerians can make their input,” he stated.
The activist further expressed concerns about placing state police under the control of governors, insisting that many state chief executives cannot be trusted with such powers.
He warned that creating state police shortly before the elections could hand governors excessive influence over security, potentially affecting the credibility of the polls.
“I am concerned so that we don’t end up in the middle of elections with state police in the hands of these very powerful political juggernauts called governors,” he added.
Sowore’s remarks come a day after the 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 for consideration before wider national consultations and eventual transmission to the National Assembly.
The proposed legislation forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to establish state police as a response to growing insecurity across the country. However, the initiative has continued to generate debate, with supporters arguing it would strengthen local security, while critics warn it could be abused for political purposes and raise funding challenges.
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