Newly Registered CDA Calls for Parliamentary System, Autonomous State Police and Major Constitutional Reforms in Nigeria

Newly Registered CDA Calls for Parliamentary System, Autonomous State Police and Major Constitutional Reforms in Nigeria

Description: The Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) has unveiled sweeping constitutional reforms after securing INEC registration, proposing a parliamentary system, autonomous state police, electoral reforms and governance restructuring.

CDA Seeks Return to Parliamentary System, Autonomous State Police After Court-Ordered INEC Registration

Fresh from securing a landmark court victory that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party, the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) has unveiled an ambitious political agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria's governance structure.

The newly registered party is advocating a return to a parliamentary system of government, the creation of fully autonomous state police, constitutional restructuring, electoral reforms, and measures to reduce the rising cost of governance.

The proposals were presented during a press briefing in Abuja by the party's National Chairman, Tamunotonye Inioribo, who described Nigeria's current governance model as unsustainable.

CDA Says Nigeria's Biggest Problem Is Structural

According to Inioribo, Nigeria's challenges go beyond leadership and require fundamental structural reforms.

He argued that excessive concentration of power at the federal level has weakened governance, fuelled insecurity, widened inequality and reduced public confidence in democratic institutions.

«"Our greatest challenge is structural. An over-centralised system that concentrates power and opportunity in the hands of a few has created inefficiency, insecurity, inequality and declining public trust. The status quo is no longer sustainable," he said.»

The CDA insists that lasting national progress can only be achieved through constitutional restructuring that devolves more powers to states and local communities.

CDA Proposes Return to Parliamentary System

One of the party's most significant proposals is replacing Nigeria's presidential system with a mixed parliamentary model.

Under the proposed arrangement:

- A ceremonial President would serve as the Head of State.

- An elected Prime Minister would become the Head of Government.

- The Prime Minister would remain directly accountable to Parliament.

- Executive power would be subject to continuous legislative oversight.

According to the party, the parliamentary model would strengthen democratic accountability by ensuring that the executive remains answerable to elected lawmakers.

Inioribo argued that Nigeria's experience during the First Republic demonstrated greater legislative oversight and executive accountability than the current presidential system.

He maintained that the country's present structure allows excessive executive dominance over the legislature, weakening democracy and limiting effective checks and balances.

Proposal to Replace the Senate

As part of its constitutional reform package, the CDA is proposing the replacement of Nigeria's Senate with a Federation Council.

The party believes the new institution would:

- Preserve Nigeria's federal character

- Improve constitutional oversight

- Reduce the cost of governance

- Streamline legislative operations

The CDA also supports adopting a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) electoral system, arguing that it would reduce winner-takes-all politics, improve political inclusion and produce fairer election outcomes.

CDA Backs Fully Autonomous State Police

The party also declared strong support for the establishment of state police, but insisted that such security structures must operate independently of federal control.

According to Inioribo, any policing system requiring approval from the Federal Government before making operational decisions would defeat the purpose of decentralisation.

He stressed that genuine state policing should allow governors and local authorities to respond quickly to security challenges without interference from Abuja.

The CDA also advocates community policing, saying local communities should play a greater role in intelligence gathering, crime prevention and public safety.

The party believes technology—including artificial intelligence, surveillance systems and integrated security databases—should be deployed to strengthen modern policing across Nigeria.

CDA Unveils Broad Policy Agenda

Beyond constitutional reforms, the Citizens Democratic Alliance outlined an extensive development blueprint focused on national growth and economic transformation.

Its policy priorities include:

- Constitutional restructuring

- Democratic and electoral reforms

- Industrialisation

- Agricultural transformation

- Digital economy expansion

- Youth-focused education reforms

- Improved healthcare services

- Affordable housing programmes

- Technology-driven anti-corruption initiatives

- Institutional transparency and accountability

The party describes itself as a progressive social democratic movement committed to inclusive development and responsive governance.

Court Ordered INEC to Register CDA

The CDA's emergence follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially register the party.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2787/25, ordered the electoral commission to issue the party's certificate of registration within seven days.

The legal action was initiated after INEC declined to register the association despite its participation in the registration exercise that began in 2025.

Although the commission initially identified eight associations that progressed to the final stage of registration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) received approval in February 2026.

INEC later registered the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), prompting the CDA to challenge the commission's decision in court.

The Federal High Court ultimately ruled in the CDA's favour, clearing the way for its official recognition as a political party.

CDA Turns Attention to Nationwide Expansion

With its legal battle now concluded, the Citizens Democratic Alliance says it will focus on building party structures across Nigeria while promoting its governance agenda ahead of future elections.

The party believes its proposals—including constitutional restructuring, parliamentary democracy and autonomous state policing—offer practical solutions to Nigeria's long-standing governance and security challenges.

As debates over constitutional amendments continue across the country, the CDA's policy blueprint is expected to contribute significantly to national discussions on the future of Nigeria's democracy.

Keywords: CDA political party, Citizens Democratic Alliance, parliamentary system Nigeria, state police Nigeria, INEC registration, constitutional restructuring, Tamunotonye Inioribo, Nigerian politics, electoral reforms, governance reforms, Nigeria news today, Federal High Court.