Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmed Makarfi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency on insecurity, saying Nigeria’s worsening security challenges require extraordinary measures and stronger collaboration among all levels of government.
Speaking in Kaduna, Makarfi argued that governance priorities should be restructured to place security at the centre of government activities. He said the country could no longer operate as though conditions were normal, describing the security situation as one approaching a state of war.
The former governor urged the Federal Government to redirect more resources towards strengthening the nation’s security architecture instead of focusing heavily on routine development projects. According to him, tackling insecurity would stimulate economic activities, improve livelihoods and ease the hardship faced by many Nigerians.
Makarfi stressed that addressing insecurity would require the recruitment of more security personnel, better training, modern equipment and improved logistics, with support from federal, state and local governments.
He also appealed to politicians and leaders to avoid politicising insecurity, warning that partisan interests could undermine efforts to find lasting solutions. Rather than engaging in blame games, he urged stakeholders to concentrate on practical measures that would restore peace and stability.
On electoral matters, Makarfi opposed any move to deregister political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that parties which complied with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to participate in the polls. He warned that deregistration at this stage could create unnecessary political suspicion.
Addressing the lingering crisis within the PDP, Makarfi advocated reconciliation among aggrieved members and maintained that unity and adherence to the law remain the best path to rebuilding the party. Although he turns 70 in August, he ruled out seeking elective office, saying he would rather support younger leaders to take on future political responsibilities.
