As the National Assembly moves to create state police with the recent passage of the bill seeking to establish the formations across the country, Nigeria finds itself at a critical crossroads. While advocates hail the proposal as a bold step towards tackling insecurity through true federalism, opponents fear it could hand governors a powerful political tool capable of undermining democracy ahead of the 2027 elections. DARE AKOGUN examines the competing arguments, the constitutional hurdles, lessons from other federations, and whether President Bola Tinubu’s security gamble will strengthen national security or deepen political tensions
The Senate’s recent passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police has reignited one of Nigeria’s longest-running constitutional debates, exposing deep divisions over whether decentralised policing is the long-awaited solution to the country’s worsening insecurity or a dangerous political weapon that could be abused ahead of the 2027 general election.
While supporters describe the proposal as a historic step towards true federalism and community policing, critics argue that the timing raises troubling questions about political motives, especially as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.
