Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has urged the Federal Government to postpone deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill until after the 2027 general elections, warning that introducing such a major constitutional reform close to an election could create unintended political and security consequences.
Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Sowore argued that the country should first focus on conducting credible elections before embarking on far-reaching constitutional changes.
According to Sowore, the months leading up to the 2027 elections should be devoted to electoral preparations rather than introducing structural reforms that could influence the political process.
He said political parties and stakeholders were already concentrating on candidate selection, campaigns and ensuring free and fair elections.
“To now insert state policing, a very major constitutional and federal structural change that could lead to structural damage or interference with the election, is not the best time,” he said.
While stressing that he was not opposed to discussing state policing, Sowore maintained that the debate should begin only after the elections to allow for wider consultation and careful consideration.
The AAC candidate also criticised what he described as the speed with which the proposal is being processed.
He argued that a constitutional amendment of such significance should undergo extensive public engagement across the country to enable Nigerians to contribute their views before any legislation is enacted.
According to him, many citizens have raised concerns that the process is being rushed without adequate parliamentary scrutiny or nationwide consultations.
Sowore said the timing of the proposed legislation had fuelled suspicions about its potential impact on the electoral process.
Sowore further expressed reservations about placing state police under the control of state governors.
He argued that many governors already wield significant political influence and warned that granting them control over state security agencies shortly before elections could create opportunities for abuse.
According to him, safeguards should be fully debated and established before any state policing structure is introduced.
Presidency Moves Ahead with Policing Reform
Sowore’s comments come a day after the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced that the draft National Policing Bill is expected to be presented to President Bola Tinubu on September 3.
Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, said the executive bill package would undergo national consultation before being finalised and transmitted to the National Assembly.
READ MORE: Reps Adopt Tinubu’s State Police Bill for Police Reform
He explained that the reform process forms part of a seven-week programme involving legal drafting, policy research, data analysis and implementation planning.
Calls for the establishment of state police have gained momentum amid persistent insecurity in several parts of Nigeria.
Supporters argue that decentralising policing would improve local security responses and strengthen crime prevention.
However, critics continue to raise concerns about possible political interference, funding challenges and the risk of abuse by state governments.
President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly expressed support for state policing and urged the National Assembly to expedite work on the proposed legislation as part of broader security reforms.