The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called for the suspension of discussions on the proposed state police bill until after the 2027 general elections.
Sowore, an activist and publisher, said the timing of the proposed policing reforms was inappropriate, arguing that the election period could distract from proper debate and create risks for the democratic process.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Sowore said the government should wait until after the elections before proceeding with discussions on state policing.
He argued that the 2027 elections, which are only months away, would require attention from political actors and citizens, making it difficult to properly consider a major constitutional amendment.
According to him, introducing state police at this time could lead to unintended consequences, including possible interference with the electoral process.
Sowore said the country should begin comprehensive discussions on state policing after the elections, allowing stakeholders to examine how the system would work and how responsibilities would be distributed.
His comments followed plans by the Federal Government to advance proposed reforms to Nigeria’s policing structure.
The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, had earlier announced that the draft national policing bill was expected to be presented to the President on September 3, 2026, for consideration.
Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, said the executive bill package was being developed through a seven-week programme involving legal drafting, policy research, data analysis and implementation planning.
He explained that a national consultation would take place before final approval and transmission of the bill to the National Assembly.
However, Sowore criticised the process, describing it as rushed and unsuitable for a major constitutional change.
He argued that the proposed legislation should undergo broader public debate, including consultations across states, to allow Nigerians to make contributions before any decision is reached.
The AAC candidate also raised concerns about granting state governors control over security personnel, questioning whether governors could be trusted to manage state police without political interference.
He warned that placing state police structures under governors could create problems during election periods if security agencies were misused for political purposes.
Calls for state police have increased in recent years due to rising insecurity across parts of Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has supported moves to establish state police and has encouraged the National Assembly to accelerate work on the proposed legislation.
However, opponents of the reform have expressed concerns over possible abuse of power, political influence and the financial responsibilities involved in creating and maintaining state police forces.
