PDP supports state police, warns against political interference

By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

On Friday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) endorsed the proposed creation of state police forces, cautioning that political factors should not hinder efforts to bolster national security.

As the idea of state police moves nearer to implementation, the PDP emphasized that worries about potential abuse should not obstruct attempts to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity via a decentralised policing model.

In an interview with Vanguard, PDP National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed stated that the party shares the concerns of millions of Nigerians regarding the nation’s security problems and is prepared to back any government effort that can tackle them.

“We cannot allow political considerations to prevent us from embracing initiatives that will strengthen national security,” he said.

Mohammed added that a well‑designed state police force would empower communities to protect their own neighborhoods and aid in curbing the country’s rising insecurity. He also acknowledged worries that politicians might exploit the system.

“We believe that, if properly established and safeguarded against abuse, state police will help reduce insecurity. Local communities should take responsibility for protecting their environments from those seeking to destabilise them. In the long run, this will make Nigeria a more peaceful and secure country.”

“While I agree that politicians could misuse state police, such abuse is likely to occur mainly during election periods, which come around only once every four years.”

He also cited other federal systems where decentralised policing has proven effective, suggesting that Nigeria could adopt a comparable model if state police are introduced transparently and with public trust.

“Countries such as the United States operate state police systems, so this is a welcome development. We hope the implementation of state policing will be guided by extensive public sensitisation, transparency and accountability.”

“However, we urge our leaders to administer the state police with the fear of God. They must also embrace technology in the fight against insecurity. That is non‑negotiable and remains the position of our party,” he said.