Senate Majority Leader Champions State Police Proposal amid National Debate
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has fervently defended the proposal to establish state police forces in Nigeria, asserting that the constitutional amendment is rooted in urgent security needs rather than political motivations. Bamidele made this statement in a press release disseminated to journalists in Abuja, reflecting the escalating national discourse surrounding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Amendment) (State Police) Bill, 2026.
The bill, which passed in the Senate on June 24 as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, is the culmination of extensive national consultations and consensus among key stakeholders. Bamidele emphasized that this initiative should not be subjected to partisan trivialities but viewed as a crucial step toward enhancing public safety at state and local levels.
Public opinion has shown substantial support for the proposal, which Bamidele believes has the potential to greatly improve safety. However, he expressed his concerns about critiques that suggest the initiative is politically motivated, with some opponents asserting it could be exploited by governors against their political adversaries.
Critics caution that the nation may not yet be prepared for state police forces and fear a revival of the challenges associated with community policing during Nigeria’s First Republic. In response, Bamidele affirmed that these issues were thoroughly addressed during the legislative process, citing extensive consultations and the integration of institutional safeguards to prevent misuse.
He noted that the quest for state police is not a recent development; it has been discussed for years, dating back to a memorandum submitted to Parliament during the constitutional review phase. Lawmakers engaged in comprehensive dialogues with various entities, including the executive branch, the Nigeria Governors Forum, and leaders from the Nigeria Police Force before presenting the bill.
Bamidele also highlighted the overwhelming support gathered during public hearings conducted in July 2025 across six geopolitical zones, where many participants endorsed the proposed state police as a practical solution to the escalating security challenges faced by the country. Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force has submitted a memorandum backing the initiative, recommending accountability and oversight measures to prevent political abuses.
Despite some skepticism within political circles, Bamidele maintained that the bill enjoys bipartisan backing in Congress, with members from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Democratic Congress (NDC), and Labor Party collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to support the amendment. With 84 out of 109 senators voting in favor, the bill garnered approximately 77% support during the clause-by-clause debate.
In closing, Bamidele urged political leaders to prioritize national security above partisan interests, insisting that security is a collective good that transcends political, ethnic, and religious affiliations. He acknowledged the importance of constructive criticism in a democratic landscape but stressed that opposition must be accompanied by realistic alternatives to address the nation’s security challenges. The proposed state police framework, he concluded, is an urgent necessity that should not be hindered by political calculations or personal goals, and he believes that the ultimate adoption of these constitutional amendments will fortify Nigeria’s internal security architecture, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens nationwide.
