Makarfi urges coordinated security response, rejects calls for party deregistration ahead of 2027

Former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, has called for a more coordinated and urgent national approach to tackling insecurity, saying Nigeria’s current security situation requires extraordinary commitment from all levels of government.

Makarfi also cautioned against proposals to deregister political parties before the 2027 general elections, arguing that parties that met electoral requirements should be allowed to remain in the democratic space.

The former governor and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spoke on Sunday during an interactive session with journalists in Kaduna, where he addressed issues bordering on governance, security, democratic development, and the future of political parties.

According to him, although Nigeria has sustained uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, the gains of democracy must be measured by improvements in citizens’ welfare and safety.

He observed that persistent insecurity continues to affect economic activities, social stability and governance outcomes across the country.

Makarfi said addressing insecurity should remain the country’s immediate focus, noting that progress in security would positively influence investment, productivity and living conditions.

He urged President Bola Tinubu and state governments to adopt a stronger collaborative framework and channel more national resources toward restoring security.

The former governor maintained that security challenges should not become subjects of political rivalry, stressing that the consequences cut across political, ethnic and regional boundaries.

He said effective intervention would require increased manpower, improved training, better equipment and stronger logistics support for security agencies.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Makarfi said political consultations and alignments were expected in any democracy but warned against allowing electoral politics to overshadow governance.

Speaking on discussions around deregistration of political parties, he said such actions could create unnecessary political suspicion and should be avoided.

He argued that any party that had fulfilled conditions set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to contest elections.

Makarfi also commented on the internal challenges facing the PDP, calling on party members to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.

According to him, resolving disputes through consensus and respect for institutional procedures remains critical to strengthening the opposition party.

Despite current disagreements, he expressed confidence that the PDP would remain relevant because of its national spread and established political structures.

The former governor, who is expected to attain the age of 70 later this year, also ruled out immediate interest in elective office, saying he preferred to encourage and support a new generation of leaders.