Sowore Warns Tinubu Against Rushing State Police Before 2027 Elections
ABUJA – Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend plans for the establishment of state police until after the 2027 general elections, warning that the proposed reform could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process if introduced prematurely.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, Sowore said he supports the decentralisation of policing but insisted that state police should only be implemented as part of a broader restructuring of Nigeria into a truly federal system.
According to him, the current constitutional amendment process is being hurried without sufficient public consultation, institutional safeguards, or clear legal frameworks capable of preventing abuse.
Sowore argued that placing armed security outfits under the direct control of state governors ahead of a major election could create opportunities for political intimidation, abuse of power, and electoral manipulation.
He therefore urged the National Assembly to suspend consideration of the proposed legislation until after the 2027 general elections, maintaining that such a far-reaching security reform should be driven by broad national consensus rather than political expediency.
The AAC presidential candidate also criticised the administration of President Tinubu over what he described as its performance in key sectors, including security, electricity, education, healthcare, food security, and the economy.
According to Sowore, the true measure of any government’s success should be reflected in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians rather than macroeconomic indicators or international commendations received by public institutions.
He maintained that meaningful reforms must be rooted in accountability, institutional strength, and policies that directly improve the welfare and security of citizens.
