By Eunice Orike
A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Engr. Buba Galadima, has cautioned that the proposed creation of state police could worsen Nigeria’s security and political challenges rather than resolve them.
Speaking on ARISE News, Galadima reacted to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, recently passed by the National Assembly and awaiting consideration by the 36 state houses of assembly.
He questioned the necessity of state police, arguing that if existing security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force and the military have struggled to tackle insecurity, there is no guarantee that state police would perform better.
Galadima alleged that the push for state police is politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that state-controlled forces could be used to intimidate opponents, interfere with elections, and undermine democracy. Drawing from history, he recalled the era of native authority police, which he said was often used to harass and detain opposition figures before elections.
He further warned that state police could fuel ethnic and religious tensions, especially if recruitment is dominated by one group, making minorities feel unsafe and limiting their freedom to live and work in certain states. “For me, it will create more problems, more division and more suspicion,” he said.
The bill, part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, requires approval from at least 24 of the 36 state houses of assembly before it can move forward.
