Issues surrounding fuel subsidy, state police, insecurity, poverty and economic reforms dominated a presidential debate at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as political figures preparing for the 2027 general elections presented sharply different positions on Nigeria’s challenges.
The debate featured Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, Donald Duke of the People’s Redemption Party, Adewale Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party, and Rotimi Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
The candidates disagreed over how best to tackle insecurity, reduce poverty, reform Nigeria’s policing system and address the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy.
The debate was held under the theme “Beyond Limits: Redefining the Practice of Law”, as part of activities marking the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.
Obi Calls for Overhaul of Security Strategy
Peter Obi argued that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be addressed through military action alone, insisting that poverty, unemployment, corruption and weaknesses within the security architecture must also be tackled.
The former Anambra State governor advocated what he described as a “human security” approach, calling for a comprehensive review of the country’s security strategy.
“You need to do a comprehensive overhaul or study of our strategy to a security problem today.
“You need to audit the architecture that is driving that strategy and look at security from a human security perspective,” Obi said.
According to him, reducing poverty and unemployment would contribute significantly to reducing crime and insecurity.
“The more you pull people out of poverty, the more you reduce insecurity. It is a known fact everywhere,” he said.
Obi also called for improved coordination among security agencies, better staffing and welfare for security personnel, as well as greater support for local vigilantes and communities involved in protecting vulnerable areas.
He identified intelligence gathering as one of the major weaknesses affecting Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
“As it were, the intelligence aspect of our security is very, very weak,” Obi said.
Candidates Offer Different Solutions
Other presidential contenders also presented different approaches to Nigeria’s security and economic problems, particularly the controversial removal of the petrol subsidy.
While some argued that government must provide stronger social protection and reduce the burden of high energy costs on citizens, others focused on fiscal sustainability and the need to prevent the return of policies they believe could place additional pressure on public finances.
The disagreement reflects a wider political debate expected to dominate the build-up to the 2027 presidential election.
The candidates also differed on the proposal for state police, with arguments centred on whether decentralising policing would improve security or create opportunities for political interference.
Federal Government Defends State Police Reform
The debate came as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, defended the Federal Government’s reform agenda, including moves toward state police.
Gbajabiamila maintained that strengthening security requires reforms capable of bringing policing closer to communities.
The issue of state police has remained a major national debate, with supporters arguing that state-controlled security structures could respond more quickly to local threats, while critics have raised concerns about possible political abuse.
2027 Campaign Debate Intensifies
The NBA conference provided an important platform for opposition figures and political actors to present their policy positions before a professional audience and the wider Nigerian public.
With insecurity, rising living costs, fuel prices, unemployment and constitutional reforms expected to remain major issues ahead of the 2027 elections, the contrasting positions presented at the conference offer an early indication of the policy battles likely to shape the election campaign.
For voters, the central question will be whether competing political parties can move beyond promises and provide practical, credible and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
