Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency on insecurity, describing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as a situation that demands extraordinary measures and close collaboration among all levels of government.
Speaking with journalists at his Kaduna residence on Thursday, Makarfi said the country could no longer afford to treat the security crisis as a routine governance issue, stressing that security should become the foremost priority of government.
“The President, working 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 said.
According to him, significant progress in addressing insecurity would unlock economic growth, improve livelihoods and ease the hardship facing citizens across the country.
Makarfi argued that Nigeria’s security situation had reached a critical stage, likening it to a wartime condition that requires a fundamental shift in government priorities. He urged authorities to channel more resources towards strengthening the nation’s security framework rather than focusing on routine developmental projects.
“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 said.
The former governor further advocated for the recruitment of more security personnel, enhanced training programmes, acquisition of modern equipment and improved logistics support through coordinated efforts involving the federal, state and local governments.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic journey since 1999 as a major achievement, Makarfi lamented that persistent insecurity continued to undermine governance, economic development and citizens’ welfare. He urged political leaders to focus on practical solutions and warned against turning security issues into partisan debates.
“I don’t want this thing politicised. If we politicise it, we will not achieve results. We have a big problem and we have to do something about it,” he stated.
On electoral matters, Makarfi rejected the proposed deregistration of political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that such a move would be inappropriate and could raise concerns about political motives.
“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. No political party should be deregistered. All those who have complied with INEC’s published guidelines should be allowed to participate in the 2027 election,” he said.
He also urged political parties to comply with the Electoral Act and regulations issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasising the importance of conducting lawful congresses, conventions and primary elections to ensure credible polls.
Addressing the lingering crisis within the PDP, Makarfi called for reconciliation among party members, maintaining that unity and adherence to legal processes offered the best route to resolving internal disputes and repositioning the party.
“I am not a factional person; I am a PDP person. What I work for is PDP. The issue is not about any individual; it is about what the law says and what INEC recognises. My position has not changed. Reconciliation remains the way out,” he said.
Despite ongoing internal disagreements, the former governor expressed optimism about the PDP’s prospects, describing the party as an institution with deep roots that transcends individual personalities.
Makarfi, who will turn 70 in August, also dismissed any immediate plans to seek elective office, saying he would rather support a younger generation of leaders to take up leadership responsibilities.