Makarfi Asks Tinubu to Declare Security Emergency Amidst Worsening Situation

Ahmed Makarfi, a former Governor of Kaduna State and one-time chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency concerning Nigeria's security challenges. Makarfi warned that the country's escalating insecurity demands extraordinary measures and a unified national response from all tiers of government.

During a Sunday interaction with journalists at his Kaduna residence, the former governor also expressed his opposition to any moves to deregister political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He insisted that all parties that have adhered to the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) guidelines should be permitted to participate in the upcoming polls. His discussions touched on the state of democracy, the pervasive insecurity, preparations for the 2027 elections, and the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP.

Makarfi acknowledged Nigeria's uninterrupted democratic journey since 1999 as a significant achievement. However, he lamented that the nation's persistent inability to curb insecurity continues to undermine effective governance and economic development. He stressed that security should be treated as the country's foremost priority due to its direct impact on economic growth, social stability, and overall national advancement.

He stated, "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."

The former governor argued that substantial progress in tackling insecurity would automatically boost economic activities and alleviate hardship across the country. Addressing the Tinubu administration's handling of security challenges, Makarfi cautioned that mere criticism would not resolve the problem, urging leaders at all levels to focus on practical solutions.

"The reality is that on the ground, the security challenges are becoming wider. So, for me, rather than criticising, it is better 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 asserted.

He underscored that the government could no longer operate as if the country was experiencing normal conditions, likening the prevailing security climate 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. You cannot deal with the security issue without massive manpower enhancement, training, equipment and logistics. It has to be a combined effort involving the federal, state, and local governments," he added.

Makarfi also appealed to political actors to refrain from politicizing insecurity, stressing that the challenge impacts every Nigerian, regardless of their political leanings. He warned, "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."

Regarding the increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, Makarfi acknowledged that consultations, alliances, and realignments are typical democratic processes. However, he cautioned against allowing political ambitions to overshadow effective governance, maintaining that Nigerians would ultimately evaluate political parties and their leaders based on their tangible performance and integrity.

Furthermore, Makarfi expressed his disapproval of proposals to deregister certain political parties. He elaborated, "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."

Nevertheless, Makarfi advised political parties to strictly adhere to electoral laws, emphasizing the necessity of conducting proper congresses, conventions, and primaries in accordance with INEC's established regulations. Addressing the ongoing internal disputes within the PDP, Makarfi appealed for reconciliation among disgruntled members, asserting that the party's longevity hinges on its unity and adherence to due process.

He clarified his stance, stating, "I am not a factional person; I am a PDP person. What I work for is the 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."

Despite these internal challenges, Makarfi conveyed optimism about the PDP's prospects, characterizing it as a deeply established political entity that does not revolve around a single personality. He concluded, "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."

Makarfi, who will celebrate his 70th birthday in August, dismissed any immediate aspirations for elective office, indicating his preference to mentor and support younger leaders. He explained, "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."