Senator Ahmed Mohamed Makarfi, former Kaduna state governor, has asked President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency on insecurity, warning that the country’s worsening security challenges require extraordinary measures and a unified national response.
Ahmed Makarfi a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, also opposed moves to deregister political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that all parties that complied with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s guidelines should be allowed to participate in the polls.
The former governor stated this during an interaction with journalists in his Kaduna residence, where he spoke on the state of democracy, insecurity, preparations for the 2027 elections, and the crisis within the PDP.
He said while Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic journey since 1999 remained a significant achievement, the country’s inability to contain insecurity continued to undermine governance and economic development.
According to him, security should be treated as the nation’s foremost priority because of its direct impact on economic growth, social stability, and national development.
“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 argued that substantial progress in tackling insecurity would automatically improve economic activities and reduce hardship across the country.
Speaking on the Tinubu administration’s handling of security challenges, the former governor said criticism alone would not solve 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 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 stressed that the government could no longer operate as if the country was experiencing normal conditions, describing the current security situation 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.
“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 Government, states and local governments,” he added.
Makarfi further urged political actors to avoid politicising insecurity, insisting that the challenge affects all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation.
“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 said.
On the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, Makarfi said consultations, alliances and realignments were normal in a democracy but warned that governance must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics.
He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately judge political parties and leaders based on performance and credibility.
Commenting on suggestions that some political parties could be deregistered, the former governor said he did not support such a move.
“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.
However, he cautioned political parties against violating electoral laws, noting that parties must conduct valid congresses, conventions and primaries in line with INEC regulations.
On the lingering crisis within the PDP, Makarfi called for reconciliation among aggrieved members, saying the party’s future depended on unity and respect for due process.
“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 challenges, Makarfi expressed confidence in the PDP’s future, describing it as a deep-rooted political party not built around 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 added.
Makarfi, who turns 70 in August, ruled out any immediate ambition for elective office, saying he would rather 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 said.
