The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed support for the creation of state police but criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the proposed reform, arguing that the process is moving too quickly without the institutional safeguards needed for long-term success.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said decentralising policing has long been part of Nigeria’s constitutional debate and should not be presented as a new solution to the country’s growing security challenges.
According to the party, the establishment of state police requires careful planning, strong oversight mechanisms and clear accountability structures to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse. The ADC warned that creating new police forces without these protections could weaken public confidence instead of improving security.
The opposition party also argued that state police should not be viewed as an immediate answer to problems such as terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. While acknowledging the need for reform, it maintained that lasting improvements would depend on broader institutional changes rather than a single constitutional amendment.
The ADC further criticised the pace at which the proposed legislation is being considered by the National Assembly. It said reforms with significant constitutional implications should involve extensive consultations with citizens, legal experts, civil society groups and other stakeholders before any final decisions are made.
The Federal Government has promoted state police as part of wider efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, but political debate over the proposal continues as lawmakers examine possible constitutional amendments.