Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  to suspend plans for the creation of state police until after the 2027 general elections, warning that the move could threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, Sowore said although he supports the decentralisation of policing, state police should only be introduced as part of a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria into a genuine federal system.
He argued that the ongoing constitutional amendment process is being rushed without adequate public consultation, institutional safeguards, or clear mechanisms to prevent abuse.
According to Sowore, placing armed security outfits under the control of state governors ahead of a major election could create opportunities for political intimidation and electoral manipulation.
He therefore called on the National Assembly to halt the proposed legislation until after the 2027 elections, stressing that such a significant security reform requires broad national consensus rather than political urgency.
Sowore also criticised the Tinubu administration over what he described as poor performance in critical sectors, including security, electricity, education, healthcare, food security, and the economy.
He maintained that the success of any government should be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, rather than macroeconomic statistics or international recognition received by public institutions.
