ADC and Peter Obi support state police but warn against hasty implementation before 2027 elections
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The African Democratic Congress ADC and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, have expressed support for the establishment of state police but cautioned President Bola Tinubu against a rushed implementation. They fear that a hasty rollout could lead to political abuse, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The ADC accused the Federal Government of fast-tracking a constitutional amendment, while Obi suggested deferring implementation until after the 2027 polls to prevent electoral manipulation. Their statements followed the National Assembly's passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill, which aims to establish state police commands alongside the Nigeria Police Force, with safeguards against gubernatorial abuse. The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, emphasized that while it has consistently backed state police, the reform requires institutional safeguards for professionalism, accountability, and oversight. The party views the current effort as a hurried response to insecurity rather than careful institutional planning, arguing that state police is a structural reform whose benefits will materialize over time and not an immediate solution to current security crises. The ADC also criticized the speed of the legislative process, calling for extensive public consultation. Obi, in a statement on his X handle, acknowledged the bill's passage as a significant milestone but raised concerns about tra
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Six Nigerian citizens, detained in C么te d鈥橧voire since October 2025 on allegations of economic crimes, have been released following sustained diplomatic and consular efforts by the Nigerian government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that four individuals were freed on Monday, June 22, 2026, and the remaining two on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan engaged with Ivorian authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, to secure their release. The Ministry commended Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa and the embassy staff for their professionalism and tireless efforts, and also thanked the Government of C么te d鈥橧voire for its cooperation, attributing the positive outcome to the cordial relations between the two countries. The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and urged citizens overseas to adhere to host country laws and maintain contact with diplomatic missions for assistance.
Must ReadNigerian sprint athlete Samuel Ogazi has announced his decision to turn professional, concluding his collegiate career at the University of Alabama. Ogazi, 20, is recognized as one of the greatest 400m runners in NCAA history and is the fourth-fastest man ever in the event. He chose to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility after three seasons in the United States. His final collegiate season included winning the NCAA Outdoor Championship with a time of 43.38 seconds, breaking the NCAA record and placing him fourth on the all-time global list. Earlier, he secured the NCAA Indoor 400m title with an African indoor record of 44.57 seconds, making him the fourth-fastest indoor performer at the time. He also won the SEC indoor and outdoor 400m titles in 2026 and defended his NCAA outdoor crown from 2025, having also earned a silver medal in 2024. Throughout his collegiate career, Ogazi progressively lowered the Nigerian 400m record from 44.02 seconds to 43.38 seconds. He also set multiple University of Alabama records and departs as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history. Athletics Station, a Nigerian track and field stakeholder, described this decision as a defining moment for Ogazi and the sport in Nigeria, expressing confidence that he will become a global force and medal contender with professional guidance. They urged the athletics community, sponsors, and fans to support him in this new chapter.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has expressed doubts about the Nigeria Football Federation's capacity to consistently pay the $100,000 monthly salary agreed upon with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. This concern follows the extension of Chelle's contract until 2030, which includes a significant salary increase from his initial $50,000 per month, which covered his assistants' wages. The NFF will now separately manage the contracts of his backroom staff. Chelle has also been given oversight of the U-23 team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. While Lawal acknowledged the merits of Chelle's appointment, he specifically voiced apprehension regarding the financial commitment. Former Eagles boss Finidi George also warned that assigning Chelle dual responsibilities for both the senior team and the Olympic side could be counterproductive, suggesting a division of labor.