NNPP Warns FG, National Assembly Against Rushing State Police

• The NNPP has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly not to rush the creation of state police, warning that the proposed reform could be abused during the 2027 elections without adequate constitutional safeguards.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has cautioned the Federal Government and the National Assembly against hastily implementing the proposed state police system, warning that it could be manipulated for political purposes if strong safeguards are not established.

The party said it supports the decentralisation of policing to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges but expressed concern over the timing of the reform, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.

Speaking on the issue, NNPP Deputy National Chairman, Nweze Onu, argued that a constitutional amendment of such significance should be based on broad national consensus rather than political expediency.

“The speed with which this far-reaching legislation was passed has created the impression that critical national issues relating to accountability, oversight, funding, operational independence, and constitutional safeguards were not given the exhaustive public scrutiny they deserve,” he said.

Onu warned that introducing state police close to the 2027 elections could create opportunities for governors to use security agencies to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent, and influence election outcomes.

According to him, Nigeria’s experience has shown that security institutions lacking sufficient independence and oversight are vulnerable to political interference.

He also pointed to regional security outfits such as Amotekun and Ebubeagu, saying public concerns and reported incidents involving the organisations highlight the need for stronger accountability mechanisms before expanding policing powers nationwide.

Rather than rushing the reform, the NNPP urged the Federal Government and lawmakers to first assess the performance of existing state-backed security outfits before establishing state police.

Onu stressed that any state police framework must include constitutional guarantees for operational independence, transparent recruitment, professional training, judicial oversight, independent complaints mechanisms and strict penalties against political misuse.

“Nigeria deserves security institutions that protect every citizen equally, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or social status. We must never permit any reform, however well-intentioned, to become a tool for political persecution,” he added.

The party also called for wider consultations with stakeholders before the implementation of the proposed state police system.

The warning comes just days after the United Kingdom endorsed Nigeria’s efforts to establish state police, while leaders of the National Assembly assured Nigerians that the proposed constitutional amendment contains safeguards to prevent abuse by state governors and other political actors.

The renewed debate follows President Bola Tinubu’s transmission of an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking constitutional amendments that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services.