President Bola Tinubu has renewed his push for the creation of state police and the full implementation of local government, LG autonomy, insisting that both reforms must be pursued decisively to tackle insecurity and strengthen governance at the grassroots.
The President spoke on Thursday night at the All Progressives Congress, APC National Caucus meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where party leaders reviewed recent political gains, internal reforms and national security challenges.
President Tinubu told APC Governors and leaders that effective leadership in Nigeria requires flexibility, tolerance and direct engagement at all levels of governance, stressing that those in authority must take responsibility for what happens in their states and local governments.
“You have to navigate this country whether we like it or not. You are in leadership positions that must yield, tolerate and be flexible, and get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level,” he said.
On insecurity, the President declared that the establishment of state police “must happen,” describing decentralised policing as a critical step towards improving internal security.
He disclosed that he recently assured international partners, including leaders from the United States, U.S and Europe, that Nigeria would move towards state policing.
“I had a very long discussion with U.S and European leaders, and I was bragging to them that we will definitely pass state police to improve security. They asked if I was confident, and I said yes, I have a party to depend on,” Tinubu said, expressing confidence in the APC’s ability to deliver the reform.
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The President also challenged governors to comply fully with the Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that autonomy would be meaningless without direct funding.
“There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. Give them their money directly. That is compliance with the Supreme Court,” he insisted, amid long-standing allegations that state governments divert or control local government allocations through joint accounts.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, told the caucus that the ruling party is benefiting from a surge in high-profile defections and growing legislative strength, giving it a commanding majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.
According to him, recent defections by sitting governors from opposition parties underscore the APC’s pan-Nigerian character and growing national acceptance.
“We now have an overwhelming majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives,” Yilwatda said, attributing the development to sustained mobilisation efforts and President Tinubu’s leadership.
He also announced organisational milestones, including the rollout of an electronic membership registration system aimed at improving transparency, data integrity and internal democracy, as well as plans to acquire land for a new national secretariat in Abuja’s Central Business District.
Speaking on the security situation, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio described insecurity in the country as “organised and orchestrated,” blaming unnamed enemies of Nigeria for terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
“We are very sad that people have decided to torment Nigeria with very serious, organised and orchestrated insecurity,” Akpabio said, assuring the President of the legislature’s support.
He commended Tinubu for securing the release of over 100 abducted children and disclosed that the National Assembly had taken bold steps, including moves to classify kidnapping as terrorism, a measure that would attract stiffer penalties once signed into law.
Akpabio also urged governors to enforce laws on capital offences, warning that failure to do so could embolden criminals.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, said sustaining the APC’s growing dominance would be more challenging than attaining it, urging party leaders to maintain discipline, cohesion and careful management of internal politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
President Tinubu, who also offered condolences to Bayelsa State over the death of its Deputy Governor, called for greater inclusion of women in party leadership and participation, while reaffirming the APC’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving security, governance and national cohesion.
The APC National Caucus meeting brought together the President, Vice President, APC governors, members of the National Working Committee and other key stakeholders, as the party prepares for upcoming congresses, elections and its national convention slated for March 2026.
The party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting is scheduled to meet at the Presidential Villa on Friday to further deliberate on key political and organisational issues.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
