Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a national state of emergency on insecurity, warning that the country’s rising security challenges demand urgent and extraordinary intervention.
Makarfi also rejected any proposal to deregister political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that all parties that meet the requirements set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to participate in the electoral process.
He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking with journalists at his Kaduna residence, where he addressed issues bordering on insecurity, governance, internal PDP disputes, and preparations for the 2027 elections.
According to him, Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 remains a major achievement, but he expressed concern that citizens are not fully experiencing the expected benefits of democracy due to worsening 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.
Makarfi argued that tackling insecurity should be the government’s foremost priority, stressing that progress in that area would naturally improve other sectors of national life.
“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 further warned that the situation had become so severe that it could no longer be treated as routine governance, describing it as being close to a war-like condition.
“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.
The former governor called for stronger cooperation among federal, state, and local governments, as well as improved funding, training, and equipment for security agencies.
He also urged political leaders to avoid politicising insecurity, stressing that the issue affects all Nigerians regardless of party affiliation.
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On electoral matters, Makarfi cautioned against the deregistration of political parties, describing such a move as unnecessary and potentially 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, however, advised political parties to comply strictly with electoral laws and ensure internal democracy through proper congresses, conventions, and primaries.
Speaking on the internal crisis within the PDP, Makarfi called for unity and reconciliation among members, stressing that adherence to due process and party rules remains critical to resolving disputes.
“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 party’s challenges, he expressed optimism about its future, describing the PDP as a deeply rooted political structure not dependent on any single 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 will turn 70 in August, also stated that he has no intention of returning to elective politics, saying he would prefer 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.