The recent leadership transitions in the Nigeria Police Force have reignited debate over seniority, regional balance, and institutional transparency. At the center of this controversy is Deputy Inspector-General Frank Mba, widely regarded as one of the most experienced and senior officers in the force, yet twice overlooked for appointment as Inspector-General of Police (IGP). His exclusion—first in 2023 and again in 2026—has fueled public scrutiny and raised questions about adherence to long-standing traditions and Nigeria’s federal character principle.
A Record of Seniority and Service
Frank Mba’s policing career spans decades of operational command, strategic communications, and administrative leadership. As a former Force Public Relations Officer and later a Deputy Inspector-General, he built a reputation for professionalism, media engagement, and institutional reform advocacy. At the time of both leadership transitions, force records indicated that he ranked among the most senior eligible officers, with sufficient years of service remaining to complete a full tenure as IGP.
Traditionally, appointments to the office of IGP have often reflected seniority among serving Deputy Inspectors-General, balancing experience with continuity. This convention, though not legally binding, has historically provided predictability within the force and reinforced morale among senior officers.
2023: The Appointment of Kayode Egbetokun
In 2023, the appointment of Kayode Egbetokun as IGP marked the first instance in which Mba was bypassed. Egbetokun, though respected and experienced, reportedly had fewer years remaining in service at the time of his appointment. The decision sparked debate, particularly as both officers were considered qualified.
Critics argued that the extension of Egbetokun’s tenure altered the expected succession timeline, narrowing the window for other senior officers—including Mba—to assume leadership. Supporters of the decision, however, maintained that presidential discretion in security appointments allows for considerations beyond seniority, including policy alignment and leadership style.
2026: Tunji Disu Elevated Over a Senior Officer
The 2026 elevation of Assistant Inspector-General Tunji Disu to the top position intensified the controversy. Disu, widely recognized for his operational achievements, was junior in rank compared to Mba at the time of his appointment. The decision marked the second consecutive leadership transition in which Mba was overlooked despite his seniority.
Security analysts note that this pattern departs from the informal tradition of promoting the most senior eligible DIG. Retired officers have described the shift as a move toward discretionary appointments influenced by political calculations rather than institutional hierarchy.
Regional Balance and the Federal Character Principle
Nigeria’s federal character principle seeks to ensure equitable representation of the country’s diverse regions in federal appointments. Observers have pointed out that the South-East—Mba’s region—remains unrepresented at the apex of the police leadership, while successive appointments have come from the South-West.
While the constitution does not mandate rotational leadership of the police, the perception of regional imbalance can have significant implications for national cohesion and trust in security institutions. Lawmakers and civil society groups have called for greater transparency in the selection process to dispel suspicions of ethnic or political bias.
Tradition vs. Presidential Prerogative
The controversy highlights a tension between institutional tradition and executive discretion. Legally, the President retains the authority to appoint the IGP, often guided by security advice and policy priorities. However, deviations from established norms—such as seniority—can generate dissatisfaction within the ranks and erode confidence in merit-based advancement.
Retired senior officers have warned that repeated departures from tradition risk politicizing the force, potentially affecting morale and operational effectiveness.
The Cost of Silence: Lack of Official Explanation
A recurring concern in both 2023 and 2026 has been the absence of a detailed official explanation for the appointments. In the vacuum of clear communication, speculation has flourished—ranging from political considerations to regional favoritism.
Transparency advocates argue that providing clear criteria for such high-level appointments would strengthen public trust and reinforce the legitimacy of leadership transitions within the Nigeria Police Force.
Beyond One Officer: Institutional Implications
While the debate centers on Frank Mba, the broader issue concerns institutional integrity. Questions raised include:
Should seniority remain the guiding principle for IGP appointments? How can Nigeria balance merit, experience, and federal character in security leadership? What mechanisms can ensure transparency without undermining executive authority? These questions extend beyond any single officer and speak to the evolving governance of Nigeria’s security architecture
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