Tinubu pushes state police, council autonomy as APC tightens grip on power
President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind sweeping political reforms, urging governors and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress to rally behind the creation of state police and the full enforcement of local government autonomy.
The President made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the 14th meeting of the APC National Caucus, where he warned that court rulings alone were not enough to strengthen democracy at the grassroots.
Tinubu specifically pressed governors to respect and implement the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy, insisting that funds meant for councils must be paid directly to them without interference.
“It is not enough that the court has ruled,” the President said. “Allocations for local government councils must reach them directly.” His remarks come amid mounting concerns that local governments remain financially strangled despite constitutional protections.
The President also renewed calls for state police, a long-debated reform that has gained urgency as insecurity worsens across the country, with communities facing rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.
In a further push for reform within the party, Tinubu urged greater inclusion of women in the APC National Caucus, stressing the need for gender balance at the highest levels of decision-making.
The caucus meeting was also marked by a major political shake-up. In his opening address, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yelwata announced the defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling party.
Yelwata, himself from Plateau State, declared that with Mutfwang’s switch, the entire North Central region is now governed by the APC — a significant boost for the party ahead of future elections.
Governor Mutfwang was elected in 2023 under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, becoming the latest high-profile figure to abandon the main opposition.
As part of an aggressive expansion drive, the APC leadership also issued a January 30, 2026 ultimatum for all members to complete electronic membership registration. Yelwata said the digital system would improve transparency, data integrity and internal democracy, as the party prepares for upcoming congresses.
He urged both old and new members to register themselves and their supporters before the deadline, warning that full participation in future party activities would depend on compliance.