The Senate has defended its approval of the proposed State Police Bill, insisting that the move is a response to Nigeria’s worsening security situation and the outcome of broad national consultations, not a politically motivated decision.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, was passed by the Senate after securing the support of more than two-thirds of lawmakers. While the proposal has been welcomed by many stakeholders, including speakers of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, some groups have expressed concerns that state police could be abused by governors and worsen insecurity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Office of the Senate Leader, through its Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, said the bill reflects a national consensus reached after extensive consultations across the country.
Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele described the legislation as a necessary response to the country’s security challenges rather than a product of political interests. He explained that the idea of creating state police did not emerge recently but was one of the recommendations submitted to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
According to him, the proposal underwent thorough scrutiny because of its significance, with consultations involving the Executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, the leadership of the Nigeria Police, and other key stakeholders.
Bamidele said public hearings held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in July 2025 showed overwhelming support for the establishment of state police.
He added that the Nigeria Police also contributed to the drafting process, particularly on provisions relating to accountability and oversight designed to prevent political misuse of state police structures.
The Senate leader noted that the support of the police highlights the importance of the proposed system in addressing security challenges at state and local government levels.
He also stressed that the bill received bipartisan backing in both chambers of the National Assembly. According to him, lawmakers from opposition parties, including the PDP, ADC, NDC and Labour Party, voted in favour of the proposal alongside members of the ruling APC.
Bamidele disclosed that 84 of the Senate’s 109 members supported the bill during the clause-by-clause voting process, representing about 77 per cent approval.
He argued that national security should rise above partisan politics, urging political leaders to place the country’s safety ahead of party interests.
The Senate leader also called on opposition parties to contribute constructive ideas that would strengthen peace, stability and national development, saying responsible opposition should provide practical alternatives that benefit the country.
