Tinubu tasks APC on state police, LG autonomy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged leaders of the All Progressives Congress to translate the party’s growing political dominance into concrete reforms by prioritising state police and full financial autonomy for local governments.
Speaking at a meeting of the APC National Caucus at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said the ruling party’s control across the country must reflect in improved security, stronger grassroots governance and effective coordination at all levels of government.
He told governors and party leaders that leadership must extend to the local government level, stressing that political success can only be sustained through tolerance, flexibility and inclusive engagement.
The President disclosed that he recently reassured United States and European partners of Nigeria’s commitment to establishing state police to tackle insecurity. He expressed confidence that the APC’s control of the National Assembly would ease the passage of the necessary legislation.
According to him, failure was not an option, noting that the party has the numbers and political will to deliver the reform.
Tinubu also directed governors to ensure the implementation of full financial autonomy for local governments in line with the recent Supreme Court judgment. He said autonomy must be backed by direct funding to enable councils function effectively.
He urged reconciliation within the party, called for prayers for national stability and offered condolences over the death of the Bayelsa State deputy governor. The President also advocated greater inclusion of women in party structures and announced plans to present the 2026 budget to the National Assembly.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima cautioned that the APC’s rapid expansion should not breed complacency, warning that internal discipline and cohesion must be maintained.
Describing the APC as a national force, Shettima highlighted the party’s control of several geopolitical zones and the wave of defections by governors from opposition parties. He assured new members that the APC was their political home and expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in 2027.
APC National Chairman, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party now enjoys a commanding majority in both chambers of the National Assembly following recent defections. He announced plans to introduce an electronic membership system ahead of the party’s national convention to strengthen internal democracy.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, described the APC’s spread as a sign of national acceptance, noting that the party controls 28 states and holds overwhelming legislative majorities. He urged President Tinubu to remain focused on reforms, saying they have boosted investor confidence.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, both stressed the need for fairness and unity within the party, warning that rapid growth must not undermine internal cohesion as the APC consolidates its dominance nationwide.
