The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concerns that the proposed State Police system in Nigeria could be used as a political tool against opposition parties. Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, stated that the party is closely monitoring the development and will announce its position after consulting with its members in the National Assembly. The ADC is not opposed to State Police in principle but is worried about its potential misuse.
President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to maintain professionalism and impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the Police must not be seen as an instrument of any political interest. Tinubu made this statement at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The State Police Bill is part of ongoing efforts to decentralize policing in Nigeria, with the National Assembly reviewing provisions on powers, funding, recruitment, and oversight. The proposal requires legislative approval and constitutional amendment procedures. According to Abdullahi, the ADC's primary concern is the potential use of state-controlled security forces against political opponents.
President Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian must feel protected by the Police, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, or geographical location. He noted that the neutrality and professionalism of the Force are fundamental to public confidence and the credibility of Nigeria's democracy. The President assured that the Federal Government would provide necessary support to enable the Force to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
The 2027 elections will require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations, and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders, according to President Tinubu. He made these remarks on the theme of the conference, "Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections." The President's charge to the Police is seen as a move to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The ADC's warning and President Tinubu's charge to the Police reflect the ongoing debate about the proposed State Police system and its potential implications for Nigeria's security and democracy. The National Assembly's consideration of the State Police Bill is ongoing, with lawmakers reviewing various provisions. The outcome of this process will likely have significant effects on Nigeria's policing system.
The concerns expressed by the ADC and the President's emphasis on professionalism and impartiality highlight the need for careful consideration of the proposed State Police system. The system's potential impact on Nigeria's democracy and security architecture will depend on its implementation and the extent to which it is used to serve the interests of the ruling party or the broader public.
Key points
- The ADC has warned against the potential misuse of the proposed State Police system for political gain.
- President Tinubu has charged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The proposed State Police system is part of ongoing efforts to decentralize policing in Nigeria.
