President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the long-debated multi-level policing system, including state police, will soon become a reality, pledging that the necessary legislation will be passed and signed into law.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday night while addressing the national caucus meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Friday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
He stressed that improving national security required collective commitment, urging party leaders to ensure the passage of the state police bill by the National Assembly.
The president revealed that he had recently engaged with representatives of the European Union and the United States, assuring them that the bill would receive the backing of the APC.
“I had a very long discussion with the US and Europeans. I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass the state police bill to improve security,” Tinubu said.
“They asked me if I’m confident and I said, yes. I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen and if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail.”
Tinubu further emphasised that all efforts would be made to ensure the initiative succeeded, describing it as critical to strengthening security nationwide.
The president also addressed party leaders on the recent Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to local government councils, insisting that the ruling must be fully implemented, particularly with respect to financial independence.
“Let us equally look at the recent Supreme Court judgement. What can we do with it, and how well we can position our country and our party. To me, the local government autonomy is, and must be, effective,” he said.
“Let us give them. There is no autonomy without funded mandate, we’ll give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance to the Supreme Court. Take leadership seriously.”
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at Tinubu’s request, welcomed new members to the APC, including former governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who recently defected to the ruling party. He noted that the APC currently controls most states across the six geopolitical zones, boasting 28 governors.
“I want to assure our governors, this is your home. Kefas Agbu is a very gentleman. We can rest assured that 2027 is there for us. A lot of opposition members are itching to join us,” Shettima said.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, the APC National Working Committee led by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the party’s governors under Senator Hope Uzodimma. He also alleged that insecurity was being fuelled by opposition elements and prayed for the release of remaining students kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, called for a clear governance approach that rewards loyalty and delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.
“2026 must be about delivery and meeting the needs of Nigerians. Nigerians must continue to understand what the government is doing and why it is doing it. APC must seek cohesion,” Abbas said.
He added, “Together, we will continue to steer Nigeria towards unity, inclusive growth.”
Uzodimma, in his remarks, commended Tinubu’s performance since assuming office in 2023, noting that “his bold economic policies have enabled us recover lost grounds in the economy.” He also praised the president’s handling of national security and the improved relationship between the federal government and sub-national governments.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described recent defections from the PDP as a major boost ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former PDP governors who attended the caucus meeting for the first time included Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborehwori (Delta) and Kefas Agbu (Taraba).
Yilwatda thanked Tinubu, Shettima, the National Assembly leadership and APC governors for their support, pledging continued efforts to strengthen party cohesion through nationwide membership registration and internal democracy.
Several party stalwarts attended the meeting, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governors Olusegun Osoba, Adegboyega Oyetola, Ben Ayade, Jolly Nyame, Ifeanyi Okowa, Isa Yuguda and Yahaya Bello; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege; NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd); and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, among others.
