In an interview with Arise TV, chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, expressed strong views on the ongoing constitutional review, warning against the creation of state police and additional states. He emphasized the need for attitudinal change among political leaders and citizens, rather than frequent amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
No Need for Constitutional Amendment—Change Attitudes Instead
Galadima argued that the real problem with Nigeria’s democratic system is not the constitution itself, but how it is being operated. He noted that there is a fundamental lack of separation of powers, despite constitutional provisions that clearly define roles for the judiciary, legislature, and executive. According to him, these branches of government have become subservient to the executive due to an attitudinal failure by those in power.
“The judiciary and legislature are no longer independent,” he stated. “It’s not the constitution’s fault—it’s about people neglecting their responsibilities and allowing the executive to dominate.”
Firm Opposition to State Police
Galadima reiterated his long-standing opposition to the creation of state police, a topic he has resisted for more than four decades. He warned that while it may seem convenient now, it would pose a serious threat to democracy if institutionalized.
“If we allow the creation of state police, we may regret it deeply. It will be abused by those in power and may lead to the collapse of our democratic structures,” he cautioned, referencing his previous participation in the 1987 Constituent Assembly, the 1994 Constitutional Conference, and the 2014 National Conference under President Goodluck Jonathan, where he consistently opposed state police.
Against the Creation of More States
On the proposed creation of up to 40 new states, Galadima dismissed the idea as an unnecessary expansion that would only drain resources. He suggested that lawmakers advocating for new states were more interested in accessing more funds from the national budget.
“If they just want money to share, let them take it, but don’t tamper with the Constitution. We don’t need more states—we need better governance and orientation,” he said, recommending the National Orientation Agency (NOA) as a tool for changing mindsets instead.
Prioritize Electoral Reform
For Galadima, the most urgent national reform is electoral reform, not constitutional amendments. He stressed the importance of ensuring that votes truly count and that elections are credible and transparent.
“What Nigeria desperately needs is real electoral reform. The laws already exist; the issue is enforcing them. Politicians from all parties must unite to demand reforms that make elections free and fair,” he said.
He suggested that if reforms cannot be achieved through the National Assembly, then pressure should come from international allies whom Nigerian leaders respect and respond to.
On Turning Guidelines Into Enforceable Laws
Reacting to a question about making electoral guidelines enforceable laws, Galadima warned against confusing guidelines with legislative gaps. While acknowledging the shortcomings in the last election, he reiterated that making those guidelines law doesn’t require constitutional changes—it requires better enforcement and a responsible judiciary.
“The problem is not with the laws but with the judiciary’s inability to enforce them,” he insisted.
Local Government Autonomy Crucial for Development
Addressing the proposed devolution of powers and the recognition of local councils as an independent tier of government, Galadima highlighted the need to give local governments autonomy and direct access to their allocated funds.
He recalled how local governments were once autonomous, managing their own affairs without interference from state governors. However, constitutional provisions introduced during the Abacha regime—particularly by General Bashir Magashi—altered this, creating joint state accounts that allowed governors to control local government funds.
According to Galadima, this misinterpretation of constitutional intent has allowed governors to dominate local governance, making it difficult for local councils to function effectively.
“The money meant for local governments should be given directly to them,” he argued. “The idea was never to pool federal allocations into a joint state account. That clause needs to be corrected.”
He further accused state governors of being more powerful than the president, saying they have successfully resisted President Tinubu’s efforts to grant autonomy to local governments, just as they did with former President Buhari.
Galadima concluded by stressing that empowering local governments is essential for grassroots development. He noted that in many states, some communities will never produce a governor, but if local governments are independent and well-funded, they can cater to their unique developmental needs.
“It is the man that wears the shoe that knows where it pinches. Let the local people manage their own money and development priorities,” he said.
