Makarfi Wants Tinubu to Declare National Emergency on Security

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 security. He warned that Nigeria's growing security issues need urgent and united national action.

Makarfi also opposed any plans to deregister political parties before the 2027 general elections. He insisted that all parties following the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines should be allowed to take part in the elections.

He made these statements on Sunday while speaking with journalists at his home in Kaduna. He discussed insecurity, democracy, the 2027 elections, and the internal problems within the PDP.

He noted that Nigeria's continuous democratic rule since 1999 is an important achievement. But he added that the benefits of democracy are being affected by rising insecurity and economic troubles.

"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 emphasized that tackling insecurity should be the government's main focus. He argued that improving security will naturally enhance 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.

"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 said.

He warned that Nigeria's current situation can no longer be seen as normal. He described it 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 added.

Makarfi also called for better teamwork among the federal, state, and local governments. He stressed the need for more manpower, training, equipment, and logistics for security agencies.

He urged political leaders to stop using insecurity for political gain, pointing out that the crisis affects all Nigerians regardless of their political party.

On the issue of elections, the former governor warned against attempts to deregister political parties. He called such actions unnecessary and possibly politically driven.

"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.

"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 also advised political parties to follow electoral laws and ensure proper internal democratic processes like congresses, conventions, and primaries.

Regarding the crisis within the PDP, Makarfi called for unity among disgruntled members. He insisted that reconciliation and following the rules are key 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.

"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," he said.

Despite the internal issues, he expressed hope for the PDP's future, calling it a strong political party not focused on any one person.

"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 added.

Makarfi, who will turn 70 in August, said he does not want to run for office again. He prefers 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.