Debate in Senate reignites calls for drug test for political office holders

The push for a legal framework requiring politicians seeking elective or appointive office to undergo drug testing is gaining momentum across Nigeria.  This growing demand stems from concerns about the widespread impact of drug abuse on mental health, national security, and the country’s governance system. In July 2023, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) […]

The push for a legal framework requiring politicians seeking elective or appointive office to undergo drug testing is gaining momentum across Nigeria. 

This growing demand stems from concerns about the widespread impact of drug abuse on mental health, national security, and the country’s governance system.

In July 2023, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians, aged between 15 and 64, were involved in drug abuse. This statistic highlights the alarming scale of the problem, which is particularly troubling as more women are reportedly falling into the trap of substance misuse.

The NDLEA’s Ogun State Commander, Ibiba Odili, made this revelation at an event in Abeokuta, organised in collaboration with Lions Clubs International as part of the agency’s ongoing war against drug abuse. 

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Concerns have since been raised about the alleged involvement of high-profile politicians in the country’s drug crisis, with many accused of both promoting and partaking in illicit drug consumption.

Speaking to Daily Trust in a telephone interview, Adaje G. Innocent, a pharmacist, emphasised the far-reaching health consequences of drug abuse, which he said can affect almost every organ in the body.

“Drug abuse can lead to abnormal heart rates, heart attacks, and increased strain on the liver, which can result in liver damage or failure. It causes seizures, strokes, mental confusion, and brain damage, and poses a significant risk of lung disease, memory problems, and even death.

“Therefore, just as we have anti-doping laws in sports, compelling politicians to undergo drug tests before assuming office would be a welcome development,” Innocent explained,” he said.

In a significant disclosure in September 2024, the NDLEA announced that at least 20 candidates in the Kano State local government elections had tested positive to multiple drugs. 

The NDLEA’s Kano Commander, Abubakar Ahmad, confirmed that the aspirants, all members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), tested positive to substances such as codeine, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and nicotine.

The issue of drug testing for politicians was further spotlighted on the floor of the Senate when Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano-South made a bold accusation. 

During a plenary session, Sumaila claimed that some of his colleagues were part of the country’s drug problem, reigniting calls for drug tests on political office seekers. 

His remarks echoed a previous proposal by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), who had called for drug testing ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Gen. Marwa, who has been at the forefront of the fight against drug abuse, had previously written to the then Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu, advocating that NDLEA be allowed to conduct drug tests on all politicians vying for office, including those from opposition parties.

“We need to be certain that the person is not a drug addict who will spend public funds to fuel their addiction, leaving them unstable and unfit to handle the duties they have been entrusted with,” Marwa said.

 

Senate considers new measures

As drug abuse among Nigerians rises, the Senate has taken steps to address the crisis. On Tuesday, a bill for the establishment of an agency focused on drug awareness and the rehabilitation of addicts passed its second reading.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation 2024”, was sponsored by Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central). 

During the debate, Senator Kawu Sumaila made a fiery contribution, accusing fellow lawmakers of indirectly contributing to the country’s drug crisis and renewing calls for mandatory drug testing for politicians seeking elective or appointive office.

“In our religions—whether Christianity or Islam—drug abuse is prohibited,” Sumaila said. “But who is supporting it? We cannot achieve the aims of this bill unless we agree to work with stakeholders to stop drug abuse in Nigeria”.

He challenged his colleagues to reflect on their own involvement, particularly in their interactions with youths during election campaigns. “How many of us can swear on the Qur’an or the Holy Bible that we do not in any way encourage drug abuse in our constituencies? We need to create a system where, before contesting elections or accepting appointments, individuals must undergo a drug test.”

Sumaila’s plea received support from some senators, while others advocated for even stricter penalties for drug offenders, including capital punishment. The bill passed its second reading following widespread contributions from lawmakers.

 

Renewed calls for drug tests on politicians

The idea of mandatory drug testing for political office holders has gained support from various quarters, including from former members of the National Assembly and political analysts.

Bernard Mikko, a former House of Representatives member, said drug tests should be conducted on all politicians, and any individual found guilty of drug abuse should face the full weight of the law. He emphasised that public health policies must be applied equally across the board.

“The application of public health policy shouldn’t be selective or discriminatory,” Mikko said. “It should also be applied on members of the National Assembly if they are found to be victims of congenital or perennial drug abuse.”

Political analyst, Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo, echoed these sentiments, stressing that before politicians are allowed to assume office, they should be screened by the NDLEA. 

“If anyone is nominated for an office, the drug law enforcement agencies should profile that person to ensure they are drug-free. This should be a prerequisite before screening by the National Assembly,” he said.

 

Widespread support for drug testing

Calls for a more stringent approach to addressing drug abuse have also been backed by prominent figures outside the political sphere. The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, previously called for mandatory drug tests for public officials, including governors and traditional rulers. 

Sanusi made the appeal at a Senate roundtable on drug abuse held in Kano, where he declared his willingness to undergo the test himself.

“I am ready to submit myself for a drug test,” Sanusi said. “Ministers, governors, and traditional rulers should also take drug tests because if young people understand that they cannot become leaders if they are drug addicts, it will deter them from drug abuse.”

A security expert and Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited,  Dr Kabir Adamu, while speaking on the matter, stressed the need for comprehensive protocols to prevent politicians from engaging in drug-related activities.

Speaking on the increasing concern about political figures being involved in drug; Dr Adamu emphasised that the issue is reflective of broader societal problems, as drug demand, abuse, and trafficking are rampant across Nigeria.

“We need more than just drug tests. Political parties must embrace the fight against drug trafficking by establishing internal screening processes for their members and officials. Before anyone runs for office, they should undergo rigorous background checks”, he said.

As the Senate continues to debate new laws and measures to curb drug abuse, many are hoping that these proposals will lead to tangible changes.