State police bill backed by 77% of senators - Senate - Businessday NG

…Says state police bill, product of national consensus, not politics

The Senate has defended the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, insisting that the proposal emerged from extensive nationwide consultations and enjoyed overwhelming legislative support rather than political considerations.

The red chamber’s response comes days after the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which has generated mixed reactions across the country.

While several opposition figures have endorsed the concept of state police, they have questioned the timing of the reform and warned of the potential for abuse by state governors.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), for instance, backed the establishment of state police but cautioned against what it described as a rushed implementation, warning that introducing the new policing structure without adequate safeguards could expose it to political manipulation, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.