Oct 27, 2026

Gbajabiamila Assures Limits on Police Powers Against Political Opponents

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria—October 27, 2026—Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has assured Nigerians that the proposed dual policing system will include strong, enforceable limits to prevent the misuse of police powers against political opponents or vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES 2026) in Abuja, Gbajabiamila directly addressed widespread concerns surrounding the introduction of state police.

“The concern that police powers could be used against political opponents of vulnerable communities is serious. Our answer is to place enforceable limits on those powers and provide remedy when they are abused,” he stated.

Context of State Police Reforms

Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, has been leading efforts to establish a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.

The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, has already secured approval from 24 State Houses of Assembly, meeting the required two-thirds threshold.

The draft National Policing Bill, along with 29 consequential amendment bills, was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Justice for legislative review.

The ministry is expected to return the validated drafts by October 30, 2026, after which the Working Group will finalize and present them to President Bola Tinubu.

Safeguards Against Abuse

Officials have previously emphasized that the framework will include clear restrictions preventing political officeholders from directing arrests of opponents, suppressing lawful political activity, or engaging in selective enforcement of the law.

The reforms aim to improve grassroots security while maintaining accountability, human rights protections, and national standards.

The remarks come as the administration advances one of its most significant security reforms, designed to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges through decentralized but regulated policing.

This report is based on statements by Femi Gbajabiamila at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit and related official updates on the National Policing Bill.