President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reiterated his push for the establishment of state police, assuring both the United States and European partners that Nigeria is committed to implementing the reform to strengthen internal security.

Speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Tinubu emphasized that state policing “must happen” as part of broader efforts to enhance security and improve governance at the subnational level. He also called for effective local government autonomy, urging governors to release funds directly to councils rather than withholding allocations.

The President noted that recent discussions with foreign partners reinforced Nigeria’s determination to introduce state policing. “I had a long discussion with US and European partners and assured them that we will definitely pass a state police bill to improve security,” he said. He expressed confidence that the APC would provide the necessary political backing to ensure the bill’s passage.

Tinubu also highlighted the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, stressing that autonomy is meaningful only if councils receive their funds directly. “There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. Give them their money directly—that’s compliance with the Supreme Court,” he stated.

Vice President Kashim Shettima reminded party leaders that sustaining APC’s dominance would require discipline, cohesion, and effective internal management. He outlined the party’s growing influence across geopolitical zones and noted that recent defections had strengthened APC’s national presence.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, describing it as “organised and orchestrated.” He praised the President for recent efforts, including the release of over 100 kidnapped children, and highlighted legislative initiatives to deter criminality, such as classifying kidnapping alongside terrorism.

APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda lauded the party’s expanding acceptance nationally, citing defections, an electronic membership registration drive, and plans for a new national secretariat in Abuja. He urged stakeholders to support party expansion ahead of upcoming congresses and the next national convention in March 2026.

The caucus brought together top APC leaders, including the President, Vice President, governors, and National Working Committee members, to align on political and organizational strategies. Six recently defected governors from the Peoples Democratic Party, including Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), attended the meeting.

The APC plans to reconvene its National Executive Committee at the State House on Friday at 5:00 p.m. to continue discussions on party growth and governance priorities.