A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused President Bola Tinubu of deliberately slowing down the establishment of state police in order to maintain federal control over security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo argued that the ongoing debate around state policing has been unnecessarily prolonged, insisting that the process only requires a constitutional amendment to Section 214 and does not need a special committee led by the Inspector General of Police.
He faulted the role of the police hierarchy in the discussion, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated.
According to him, the federal government’s reluctance is strategic.
“Tinubu does not want state police until after the election so that he will use federal police to intimidate and manipulate the opposition so that there won’t be any resistance when they want to rig elections,” he said.
Okonkwo further maintained that the Inspector General of Police has no constitutional role in the creation of state police, insisting that his duty is limited to enforcing laws passed by the National Assembly and directives from the presidency.
He criticised what he called the politicisation of national security issues, warning that continued delay was worsening insecurity across the country.
“It is sad enough that people are dying, and it is terrible that the president is playing politics with it,” he added.
On security reforms proposed by the African Democratic Congress, Okonkwo said the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has a comprehensive plan that includes expanded recruitment, improved training in asymmetric warfare, better equipment, enhanced welfare for security personnel, and stronger inter-agency coordination.
He also questioned Nigeria’s current security strategy, suggesting more aggressive aerial surveillance and rapid-response deployment in affected areas.
“What prevents every state from having helicopters and drones spying on these people from the air, then deploying special forces each time they locate them in the forest?” he asked.
Okonkwo blamed the country’s insecurity on leadership failure rather than lack of capacity, insisting that Nigeria’s challenges could be resolved quickly under effective governance.
“We don’t have an insecurity problem. What we have is incompetent and corrupt leaders,” he said, adding that improved leadership could address insecurity within months.
Citing the recent rescue of relatives of a former Minister of Power in Oyo State, he argued that security agencies were still capable when properly equipped and motivated.
He also warned that without state police, governors remain vulnerable and politically constrained in tackling security challenges within their states.
“If you do not give a governor state police, then the governor is blackmailable,” he stated.
On local government administration, Okonkwo blamed structural and fiscal issues, arguing that funds allocated to councils are often depleted before reaching grassroots development due to state-level interference.
He concluded by reaffirming confidence in the ADC-led opposition coalition, describing it as stable despite internal political realignments, while dismissing defectors as “renegades.”
