Breaking News: Senate and CDS Back Community Policing as INEC Rejects PDP NEC Meeting Notice
June 18, 2025
By: Jonathan
Nigeria’s political and security landscape witnessed two major developments today. The Senate and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) have renewed their push for community policing amid rising insecurity, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) notification for its upcoming NEC meeting, citing procedural irregularities.
Senate and CDS Champion Community Policing
In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s rising insecurity, the Nigerian Senate and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, are urging the urgent adoption of community policing across the country.
Key Highlights:
The Senate is pushing for decentralization of the Nigerian Police Force by empowering zonal commands and community-led security initiatives.
A bill creating community police forums has passed the second reading, signaling strong legislative momentum.
Zonal Security Advisory Committees—made up of governors, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and CSOs—are part of the proposed framework.
CDS Musa reinforced the call by proposing technology-driven security, local intelligence partnerships, and engagement with community youth.
“We can’t win this fight alone. The community must be our strongest ally,” said General Musa.
The Goal:
This policy aims to foster trust, reduce response times, and build tailored crime-fighting systems in rural and urban communities. However, concerns remain about possible political interference at the state level, making oversight structures essential.
INEC Rejects PDP’s NEC Meeting Notice Over Signature Dispute
In another dramatic political turn, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the PDP’s notice for its planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Why It Was Rejected:
INEC stated the notice violated Section 2(12)(3) of the 2022 Guidelines for Political Parties, which require the notice to be signed jointly by the National Chairman and National Secretary.
PDP’s letter was only signed by Acting Chairman Umar Damagum, without the signature of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
“The commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement…” — INEC Letter, June 13, 2025.
Internal Party Crisis:
A leadership tussle between Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye has disrupted party operations.
Though Anyanwu was reinstated by the Supreme Court, his signature was missing from the submitted notice, and INEC still recognizes him as the rightful secretary.
Legal Viewpoint:
A PDP legal adviser argued the meeting was not about elections or mergers and shouldn’t require dual signatures. Still, INEC insists on full compliance with established guidelines.
What This Means:
The rejection delays the PDP’s efforts to convene and resolve internal issues, including disputes over state chapters and upcoming electoral strategies. It also emphasizes INEC’s commitment to enforcing legal standards for party operations.
Conclusion
From security reform to internal political party crises, today’s events reveal the complex challenges facing Nigeria. While the Senate and CDS push for a more inclusive, people-driven security solution, the PDP faces legal and leadership hurdles that could weaken its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Both developments highlight a central theme: the need for structure, compliance, and community engagement in building a more secure and democratic Nigeria.
