CDA wants parliamentary system and state police for Nigeria

The Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) has recently received a court order that requires the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party. The CDA has now shared a bold political plan focused on changing Nigeria’s governance system. They want to introduce a parliamentary model and give more power to state police forces.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Chairman of the CDA, Tamunotonye Inioribo, explained that the party's rise is not just about adding another political option in Nigeria. He said it is about finding a “structural solution” to the ongoing issues in governance.

The party’s ideas come at a time when there are renewed discussions about constitutional reform, power distribution, state policing, and the high cost of governance. These topics are hot in the National Assembly and among political leaders.

“Our biggest challenge is structural,” Mr Inioribo said. “An over-centralised system puts power and opportunity in the hands of a few while leaving most people behind. This has caused inefficiency, inequality, insecurity, and a loss of public trust. The current system cannot continue.”

A new parliamentary system

One of the key parts of the party's plan is to replace Nigeria's presidential system with a parliamentary model. The CDA's proposal includes a President who would act as a ceremonial Head of State, focusing on national unity and diplomatic roles. Meanwhile, the real power would rest with an elected Prime Minister, who would be the Head of Government accountable to Parliament.

“We want a mixed parliamentary system with a ceremonial President and an elected Prime Minister as Head of Government, fully responsible to Parliament,” he said.

Mr Inioribo pointed out that the present presidential system gives too much power to the executive branch. This has weakened democratic accountability and made legislative oversight less effective. He believes Nigeria’s experience in the First Republic showed that a parliamentary system allowed for better accountability since the head of government reported directly to Parliament.

“We truly want a structural change. It is not about individuals; it is about the long-term management of the country,” he said. He added that a parliamentary system would help democratic institutions by making sure that executive authority is always checked by Parliament.

“What we have now is executive dominance. The legislature should be the voice of the people. When the executive controls the legislature, it means the people are not in charge, and that is not democracy,” he stated.

The party also wants to replace the Senate with a smaller “Federation Council.” They believe this would maintain federal balance, enhance constitutional oversight, and cut governance costs. The CDA suggests using a Mixed Member Proportional Representation electoral system to lessen winner-take-all politics and encourage more political inclusion.

Thoughts on state police

The CDA talked about the ongoing talks in the National Assembly regarding state police. While they support the idea, Mr Inioribo said the party would carefully check the proposals to ensure they allow enough independence for local security forces.

“The CDA’s stance on state police is clear. We back state and community policing,” he said. However, he warned that any state police framework needing federal government approval for operations would go against the aim of decentralised policing.

“Our idea for state policing is one where the structure does not need to seek approval from the centre. We think the central government is already too powerful, and that hampers governance at the grassroots level,” he said.

The party also supports community policing that lets local areas take a bigger role in security and intelligence. Mr Inioribo believes that decentralised policing, combined with modern technology and data integration, would boost Nigeria's ability to deal with insecurity.

Policy goals

The CDA describes itself as a progressive social democratic movement that supports constitutional changes, democratic reforms, accountability, and inclusive economic development. Their broader agenda includes fast industrial growth, agricultural change, expanding the digital economy, youth education reforms, healthcare improvements, affordable housing, and tech-driven anti-corruption measures.

The party's formation

The press briefing followed a Federal High Court order in Abuja that told INEC to register the CDA. Judge Obiora Egwuatu, in a ruling in case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2787/25, instructed INEC to issue a registration certificate to the party within seven days.

Mr Inioribo and two others took legal action after INEC did not register the group despite its efforts. This legal fight started after a long registration process by INEC in 2025. In October 2025, the commission announced that eight associations, including the CDA, had submitted all necessary documents.

However, the CDA’s application was denied when INEC finished its review. On February 5, 2026, INEC declared that only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) met all legal criteria and was registered. The situation worsened when INEC later registered the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which was not among the eight groups that reached the final stages.

The CDA challenged INEC's decision in court, saying it had completed all constitutional and legal requirements. Mr Egwuatu eventually ruled in favour of the CDA, allowing it to become a recognized political party.

Now that the legal battle is over, the party says it will focus on building its structures across the nation and promoting its governance plans as they prepare for upcoming elections.