The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has opposed ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to establish state police, arguing that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu lacks the credibility and public trust required to implement such a far-reaching reform.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party's National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, expressed concern over the government's push to create state police through constitutional amendments despite what he described as persistent insecurity across the country.
According to the PRP, while Nigeria urgently requires comprehensive security reforms, any restructuring of the country's policing architecture should be undertaken by an administration that commands widespread public confidence and demonstrates strong institutional credibility.
The party argued that creating state police under the current circumstances could generate fresh concerns over implementation, accountability and public confidence in the proposed security framework. It maintained that the government should first address existing security challenges and rebuild trust before embarking on major constitutional reforms.
The remarks come amid growing national debate over the proposed decentralisation of policing in Nigeria. Supporters of state police believe the reform would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and enable faster responses to security threats across the country.
However, opponents have continued to express concerns about the possibility of political interference, abuse of power by state governments and inadequate safeguards against misuse of state-controlled police forces.
The Federal Government has consistently defended the proposal, describing state police as a necessary response to Nigeria's evolving security challenges, while several governors and state assemblies have also voiced support for the constitutional amendment process.
Political analysts say the debate over state police is likely to remain one of the country's most significant constitutional discussions as lawmakers continue considering amendments that could reshape Nigeria's security architecture.
The proposed legislation is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny before any final constitutional changes can take effect.