2027: NNPP’s Onu warns against abuse of state police

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By John Alechenu, Abuja

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The Deputy National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Prince Nweze Onu, has cautioned that the newly passed State Police Bill could be abused by politicians and undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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In a statement issued on Friday, Onu said although state policing has long been advocated as a solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, its implementation without adequate safeguards could pose significant risks.

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He described the concept of state police as beneficial in principle but expressed concern over the timing and process leading to the passage of the bill.

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According to him, a reform that would fundamentally alter Nigeria’s security architecture should have been subjected to broader public consultation and scrutiny.

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Onu argued that critical issues, including operational independence, funding, accountability, oversight and constitutional safeguards, were not sufficiently addressed.

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“The speed with which this bill was passed raises questions. A matter this sensitive should not have been treated with such haste,” he said.

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The NNPP chieftain noted that the warning comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with growing concerns about the role of security agencies during electoral processes.

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He warned that without robust constitutional checks and balances, state police could be used by governors and other influential political actors to intimidate opponents and suppress dissent.

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Onu cited concerns previously raised over regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West and Ebubeagu in the South-East, where allegations of bias and abuse have been made.

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“We have seen how regional security outfits have been accused of bias and partisanship. Those mistakes should guide us now,” he stated.

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Rather than an immediate nationwide implementation, Onu urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to first review the operations of existing state-backed security outfits, address identified shortcomings and establish stronger safeguards against abuse.

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He maintained that any state police structure should be founded on merit-based recruitment, professional training, independent oversight, accessible complaint mechanisms and stringent sanctions against political interference.

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According to him, security agencies must serve all Nigerians impartially, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

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“Nigeria needs security institutions that protect everyone, not institutions that will be used to witch-hunt political opponents,” Onu said. “We cannot allow a well-meaning reform to become an instrument of persecution.”

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He also called for broader stakeholder engagement and a more deliberate approach to implementing the policy, stressing that security reforms should strengthen national unity and public confidence rather than deepen divisions.

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