“State police bill has safeguards against electoral intimidation” – Senate insists

The Nigerian Senate has defended the proposed State Police Bill, saying it contains constitutional safeguards that would allow the federal police to intervene in cases of electoral intimidation, serious human rights violations and threats to national security.

The clarification was made on Sunday by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele amid growing concerns that state governors could abuse state police for political purposes ahead of future elections.

According to Mr Bamidele, the proposed legislation clearly defines the responsibilities of both federal and state police to prevent operational conflicts while strengthening security across the country.

Senate defends state police bill

Mr Bamidele disclosed that 84 out of the 109 senators voted in favour of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, during its clause-by-clause consideration.

He described the outcome as evidence of broad bipartisan support for the legislation.

“The intervention can only be granted when there is an outright breakdown of public order; where a state police service is incapable of functioning; where there are serious abuses of fundamental rights; where there is partisan or electoral intimidation; and when national security is heavily strained and threatened,” he said.

Federal, State police roles defined

The Senate Leader explained that the federal police would retain responsibility for protecting federal institutions, policing the Federal Capital Territory, combating terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, border security, arms trafficking and other national security matters.

State police, he said, would focus on enforcing state laws, maintaining public order and protecting lives and property within their respective states.

Safeguards against abuse

Addressing fears that governors could weaponise state police against political opponents, Mr Bamidele said the bill establishes an independent State Police Service Commission to regulate state police operations without the approval or control of state governors.

He also explained that although governors would nominate commissioners of police, appointments would only take effect following recommendations by the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the relevant State House of Assembly.

“To avoid any form of abuse, the bill creates the State Police Service Commission,” he said.

Product of National consultations

Mr Bamidele dismissed claims that the proposal was politically motivated, noting that it followed extensive consultations with the executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

He added that public hearings conducted across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in July 2025 received overwhelming support for the establishment of state police.

According to him, the proposed constitutional amendment is designed to strengthen accountability, improve grassroots security and protect democratic governance while safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights.