CDA supports state police and calls for wider reforms

The Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) has backed the plan to set up State Police Services. They see it as an important change needed to tackle Nigeria’s growing security problems. They also want more changes in the constitution to make the police system work better.

The party shared its views in a statement on Friday from its National Publicity Secretary, Umar Abdulrazaq.

CDA recently won a court ruling that forces the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party. They believe that giving states control over policing will bring security closer to people, help gather intelligence, and build trust in law enforcement.

But the CDA warned that creating state police without giving states more financial power would not achieve the desired goals. They said, "Constitutional responsibility must be matched by constitutional authority and constitutional revenue."

This endorsement comes soon after the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026. This bill is part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

The proposed law aims to create State Police Services alongside the current Nigeria Police Force. This is to improve internal security, respond better to local threats, ease the burden on federal police, and boost cooperation between federal and state governments.

Nigeria has faced serious security issues for years. These include terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, clashes between communities, farmer-herder conflicts, and organized crime. Supporters of state policing believe local police will understand their communities better and react more effectively to security issues.

While the CDA supports changing the constitution, they insist that policing reforms should come with broader constitutional and financial changes.

The party pointed out that giving states security duties without enough authority or funds could lead to poorly run police units. They also suggested changes to strengthen the laws around state police.

Some of their recommendations include changing the name of the National Police Council to the Federation Police Council to better match Nigeria’s federal system. They also want State Police Commanders to be appointed by independent State Police Service Commissions and confirmed by State Houses of Assembly.

They suggested limiting federal involvement in state policing to specific cases defined by the constitution and ensuring legislative and judicial oversight. The CDA also wants to maintain national policing standards without allowing indirect federal control and to recognize Community Policing Advisory Councils in the constitution to encourage public involvement and accountability.

The CDA said lessons from federal democracies like the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and India show that decentralised policing works best when there are clear rules, professional standards, independent oversight, steady funding, and teamwork among different government levels.

They added that there should be a careful plan for implementing these changes. This includes laws, developing institutions, transparent hiring, professional training, integrated intelligence systems, financial accountability, and regular performance checks to ensure a smooth shift to a dual policing system.

The CDA also mentioned that they have sent a detailed position paper on the constitutional changes to both the Senate and the House of Representatives as part of the ongoing constitutional review.

The party believes that the long-term success of State Police Services relies on true federalism, financial independence for states, institutional freedom, democratic accountability, respect for human rights, and reliable funding.

They think that following these steps will lead to a more effective, professional, and accountable police system while strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and improving national security.