President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to the creation of state police and the full implementation of local government autonomy, insisting that both reforms are critical to addressing insecurity and improving governance at the grassroots, Peak Newspaper reports.
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 political developments, internal reforms and national security challenges.
Addressing APC governors and leaders, Tinubu stressed that leadership requires flexibility, tolerance and active involvement at all levels of governance, urging those in authority to take responsibility for events 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 essential for effective internal security. He disclosed that he had recently assured leaders from the United States 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 stated.
The President also urged 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 said, amid allegations that state governments still control local government funds through joint accounts.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, told the caucus that the party had gained significant strength following recent defections by sitting governors and lawmakers from opposition parties, giving it a commanding majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.
He also announced organisational reforms, including the rollout of an electronic membership registration system and plans to acquire land for a new APC national secretariat in Abuja’s Central Business District.
Speaking on security, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described insecurity in Nigeria as “organised and orchestrated,” assuring the President of the National Assembly’s support. He disclosed that lawmakers were working to classify kidnapping as terrorism to attract stiffer penalties.
Vice President Kashim Shettima cautioned that sustaining the APC’s growing dominance would be more challenging than achieving it, urging party leaders to maintain discipline and cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tinubu also called for greater inclusion of women in party leadership and expressed condolences to Bayelsa State over the death of its Deputy Governor.
The APC National Caucus meeting was attended by the President, Vice President, governors, members of the National Working Committee and other key stakeholders, as preparations intensify for the party’s national convention scheduled for March 2026.
