The African Democratic Congress has backed the creation of state police but warned against implementing the policy without adequate safeguards.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed support for the establishment of state police in Nigeria but criticised what it described as a rushed approach by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The party said security reforms of such importance require proper planning and constitutional safeguards.
According to the ADC, decentralised policing could help address insecurity and improve local law enforcement across the country. However, the party argued that the framework for state police must include strong measures to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
In a statement, the party said introducing state police without adequate legal and institutional protections could create new challenges for Nigeria’s democracy. The ADC stressed that governors and other political actors should not have unchecked control over security agencies at the state level.
The issue of state police has remained one of the country’s most debated security reforms. Supporters believe the creation of state-controlled police forces will improve intelligence gathering and allow states to respond more quickly to security threats. Critics, however, have repeatedly raised concerns about possible political interference and misuse.
President Tinubu’s administration has continued discussions on the proposed security reform as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across Nigeria. Several governors and stakeholders have also supported the idea, saying the current policing structure is under pressure due to increasing security challenges.
The development means the debate over state police is likely to intensify as political parties and stakeholders push for reforms that balance improved security with democratic safeguards. It also underscores the importance of reaching broad national consensus before implementing major changes to Nigeria’s policing system.
