APGA Chairman Backs Tinubu’s Call for State Police
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s call for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing the nation’s escalating insecurity.
Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Ezeokenwa said decentralizing policing powers would enable states to respond more effectively to local security challenges.
According to Ezeokenwa, the current centralized policing structure has proven insufficient in tackling kidnappings, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
He argued that granting states the authority to manage their own security apparatus would enhance accountability, improve rapid response to threats, and allow for security strategies tailored to the unique needs of each region.
APGA’s endorsement is notable as it extends support for state policing beyond the ruling party, signaling a broader political consensus on the need to reform Nigeria’s security framework.
Analysts say the move could strengthen calls for constitutional amendments that would legally empower states to establish and maintain their own police forces.
While supporters highlight the potential benefits of state police — including improved community-level security and faster response times — critics caution that without proper oversight, such forces could be misused for political purposes or favor certain ethnic groups.
Ezeokenwa, however, maintained that the advantages of state-controlled policing outweigh the risks, especially in areas where federal law enforcement has struggled to maintain order.
The APGA chairman’s backing adds political momentum to Tinubu’s proposal, fueling national debate on the restructuring of Nigeria’s security sector and raising expectations that states may soon have more control over policing to address persistent insecurity challenges.
