ADC Faults Reps Over Alleged WhatsApp Votes on State Police Bill

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the House of Representatives over the passage of the State Police Constitution alteration bill, alleging that the legislative process breached constitutional procedures.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party called on the House to recommit the bill to a fresh, transparent and inclusive legislative process, insisting that constitutional amendments must strictly follow laid-down procedures.

The ADC expressed concern over reports that the required constitutional threshold for passing the amendment was achieved through votes allegedly submitted via WhatsApp by lawmakers who were absent from the chamber. The party also questioned claims that legislators who had signed the attendance register but were no longer present during voting were counted.

According to the opposition party, such allegations raise serious constitutional and legal questions that cannot be ignored.

“The Constitution is not amended by convenience. It is amended through strict procedures that leave no room for improvisation,” the statement said.

While reaffirming its support for the establishment of state police as a solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges, the ADC stressed that the objective should not justify bypassing constitutional safeguards.

The party also argued that lawmakers failed to give adequate attention to objections raised during deliberations and curtailed detailed clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.

Beyond procedural concerns, the ADC maintained that the current version of the proposed legislation has not received sufficient public scrutiny despite its far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s security architecture.

It noted that although the idea of state police has featured in previous constitutional review exercises, the latest proposal introduces significant policy changes that Nigerians deserve the opportunity to examine through broader public engagement.

The party warned against rushing such a sensitive constitutional amendment for political reasons, arguing that poorly scrutinised legislation often requires future amendments or reversals.

According to the ADC, the focus should not merely be on creating another policing institution but on ensuring the proposed framework effectively addresses insecurity while preventing political abuse.

The party therefore urged the House of Representatives to reopen the legislative process, allow wider public participation and ensure that every constitutional requirement is fully complied with before the bill becomes law.

It concluded that only a transparent and inclusive process would produce a State Police framework capable of earning public trust and delivering meaningful improvements to national security.