Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a national state of emergency on insecurity, saying Nigeria’s worsening security crisis requires extraordinary and coordinated action.
Makarfi made the call on Sunday during an interaction with journalists at his Kaduna residence, where he addressed issues ranging from insecurity and democracy to preparations for the 2027 general elections and the crisis within the PDP.
Markarfi said insecurity remains the country’s most urgent challenge and should become the primary focus of government at all levels.
According to Makarfi, progress in economic development, agriculture and social welfare would be difficult to achieve without first restoring security across the country.
“This is the longest period of uninterrupted democratic rule we have had in the country. In itself, that is an achievement. However, what democracy has delivered to the people is also a matter of concern,” he said.
Makarfi argued that although Nigeria has sustained democratic governance since 1999, many citizens continue to face insecurity and economic hardship.
“The reality is that on the ground, the security challenges are becoming wider. So, for me, rather than criticising, it is rather to advise.
“The President, working together with state governments, should declare a national emergency on security. Governance should change so that the number one, two and three priorities are security in all facets.”
He warned that the scale of violence and criminal activity across parts of the country should no longer be treated as routine governance challenges.
“You can’t be talking about rural electrification and so many other things when we have these security challenges. Government resources should be largely targeted at addressing insecurity,” he added.
The former governor called for deeper collaboration among federal, state and local governments, alongside increased manpower, better intelligence, modern equipment and improved logistics for security agencies.
He also urged political actors to stop politicising insecurity, noting that the crisis affects all Nigerians regardless of party affiliation.
On electoral reforms, Makarfi opposed any move to deregister political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, parties that have complied with INEC regulations should be allowed to participate in the democratic process.
“I don’t support the deregistration of these political parties. Even if there is any legal reason, it has been left too late, and people will be right to read political meaning into it,” he said.
His remarks come as political parties intensify consultations, coalition talks and strategic planning ahead of the next election cycle.
Observers believe insecurity, economic hardship and governance issues are likely to dominate political conversations as Nigeria moves closer to 2027.
