The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally challenged the House of Representatives regarding the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill. Represented by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party asserts that the legislative process bypassed constitutional requirements. The ADC argues that constitutional changes cannot be driven by convenience or irregular voting methods.
The party specifically highlighted concerns regarding the legitimacy of the vote. Reports suggest that lawmakers who were not physically present contributed to the outcome via WhatsApp, and the attendance register was used as a proxy for voting, which the ADC claims violates standard procedures. They emphasized that constitutional amendments require rigorous adherence to formal rules, not improvisation.
Beyond procedural complaints, the ADC expressed alarm over the lack of thorough debate and the dismissal of formal objections. The party maintains that such a significant shift in national security architecture demands transparency and public involvement. They contend that the current version of the bill has not been adequately scrutinized by the Nigerian populace.
The ADC warned that rushing the legislation to satisfy political motives could lead to ineffective policy, similar to past legislative failures that required later reversals. Consequently, the party has urged the House to restart the process through an inclusive and transparent framework that ensures the final law is robust, protects against potential abuse, and addresses the country’s severe security challenges effectively.
