It Will Strengthen National Security — PDP Backs State Police

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind the proposed establishment of state police, insisting that political interests should not derail efforts to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Speaking on Friday, the party said fears that state police could be abused by politicians should not prevent the country from adopting a decentralised policing system capable of improving security across the federation.

Speaking with journalists, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the party shared the concerns of Nigerians over the rising wave of insecurity and would support any initiative that offers a lasting solution.

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

Mohammed maintained that a well-structured state police system would empower communities to take greater responsibility for safeguarding their areas while complementing national security efforts.

“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,” he said.

While acknowledging concerns over potential political interference, Mohammed argued that such abuses would most likely occur during election periods.

“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 added.

The PDP spokesman also pointed to countries with decentralised policing systems, saying Nigeria could successfully implement a similar model if the process is transparent and enjoys 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.