The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has opposed the proposed creation of state police by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the current government lacks the credibility and public trust required to undertake such a significant reform of Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the party expressed deep concern over reported plans by the Federal Government to establish state police through a constitutional amendment process.
According to the PRP, while there is a growing need to reform and strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions to better address the country’s worsening security challenges, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration has not demonstrated the competence necessary to drive such a critical transformation.
The party noted that state police remains a sensitive national issue that requires broad public confidence in the government championing it. It argued that the Tinubu administration’s handling of existing security structures has raised questions about its ability to successfully implement a decentralized policing system.
“While Nigeria needs a major review and overhaul of its security and law enforcement institutions, this administration lacks the moral assets and the trust of Nigerians to undertake a major shift in the policing structure of the country,” the statement said.
The PRP further described the government’s push for state police as suspicious, insisting that the proposal should not be pursued under the current circumstances.
The opposition party also warned that constitutional amendments aimed at creating state police should not be rushed, despite the administration’s apparent ability to secure the legislative support needed for such changes.
Instead, the PRP urged the Federal Government to prioritize addressing the country’s security challenges and improving the safety of citizens before embarking on structural reforms.
The party maintained that the credibility of future elections should serve as an important benchmark before major national decisions such as the establishment of state police are considered.
“The forthcoming election should be a threshold which should be crossed with credibility and popular acclaim before the nation decides on important issues such as state police structures,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
The PRP called on the government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and alleviate the fears of Nigerians who continue to grapple with threats to their safety and livelihoods across various parts of the country.
The debate over the creation of state police has gained renewed attention in recent years, with supporters arguing that it would improve local security response, while critics fear it could be abused by state governments for political purposes.
