Former Kaduna Governor calls for security to be government’s top priority as Nigeria faces widening crisis
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 state of emergency on insecurity, warning that Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation demands extraordinary and coordinated action.
Makarfi also opposed any move to deregister political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that all parties complying with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines should be permitted to participate in the electoral process.
Speaking Sunday during an interaction with journalists at his Kaduna residence, Makarfi addressed insecurity, democracy, preparations for the 2027 elections, and the internal crisis within the PDP.
Democracy’s Promise Undermined by Insecurity
While acknowledging Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 as a significant achievement, Makarfi expressed concern that the benefits of democracy were being eroded by rising insecurity and economic hardship.
“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.
Security Must Be Priority
Makarfi stressed that addressing insecurity should be the government’s foremost priority, arguing that progress in security would naturally improve economic and social conditions.
“The reality is that on the ground, the security challenges are becoming wider. So, for me, rather than criticising, it is rather to advise,” he stated.
“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 added.
Warning that Nigeria’s current situation could no longer be treated as normal governance conditions, Makarfi described the nation as being close to a state of war.
“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 emphasised.
The former governor called for stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, as well as enhanced manpower, training, equipment, and logistics for security agencies. He also urged political actors to avoid politicising insecurity, noting that the crisis affects all Nigerians regardless of party affiliation.
Opposition to Party Deregistration
On electoral matters, Makarfi cautioned against attempts to deregister political parties, describing such moves as unnecessary and potentially politically motivated.
“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.
“My personal view is that 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 stated.
He advised political parties to strictly adhere to electoral laws and ensure proper internal democratic processes such as congresses, conventions, and primaries.
PDP Crisis: Reconciliation Needed
Addressing the crisis within the PDP, Makarfi called for reconciliation among aggrieved members, insisting that unity and due process remain essential for the party’s survival.
“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,” he said.
“Right from the beginning, some of us promoted a give-and-take approach to avoid a crisis. My position has not changed. Reconciliation remains the way out,” Makarfi added.
Despite internal challenges, he expressed confidence in the PDP’s future, describing it as a deeply rooted political party not centred on any individual.
“Absolutely, PDP has a future. Among all the political parties, I think the PDP, because it is deep-rooted and not built around any individual, has a brighter future,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Makarfi, who is set to turn 70 in August, stated he is not interested in contesting elective office again, preferring instead to support younger leaders.
“I don’t belong to the class of people who believe that it must always be them. I’ll be satisfied contributing in any way I can while more vibrant younger people are given the chance to lead,” he concluded.
