The ruling All Progressives Congress, on Tuesday, reaffirmed its unalloyed support for the creation of state police across states of the federation, especially in light of the security challenges confronting the country.

In a statement by the party’s spokesperson in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, the APC said anyone opposing state policing is an enemy of Nigeria.

“The Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress wholeheartedly welcomes and supports the timely, forthright, and pragmatic call by South-West Governors urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate the establishment of state police across the federation,” the statement said.

The South-West Governors’ Forum, in a communique read after its meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, reaffirmed its support for the establishment of state police, saying its creation would enhance ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

The ruling party noted that the forum’s position aligns with its long-standing progressive philosophy, which highlights the importance of localising security for it to be effective.

“For years, our region has been at the forefront of advocating for a modern, community-rooted security architecture capable of responding swiftly and intelligently to evolving threats. The South-West governors have once again demonstrated leadership, unity of purpose, and a clear understanding of the security realities confronting our nation,” it said. “Their position aligns squarely with the long-standing progressive philosophy of our party: security must be local to be effective.”

The APC said President Bola Tinubu had consistently shown the political will to reform, strengthen, and modernise Nigeria’s internal security framework, adding the governors only reinforced Mr Tinubu’s already established commitment to a responsive, people-centred, and technologically enhanced security ecosystem.

Describing the calls as timely and inevitable, the APC said the security challenges facing the country require multi-layered policing solutions, adding that a properly designed, professionally regulated, and federally coordinated state police would bring security closer to communities, improve intelligence gathering, and deter crime in real time.

“From the Amotekun initiative to consistent investment in local security infrastructure, the South-West has proven that decentralised security works. The call for state police is simply the next logical step,” it stated.

While urging stakeholders to support Mr Tinubu in delivering a safer, stronger, and more secure Nigeria for all, the party said anyone attempting to politicise or misrepresent this conversation for cheap popularity gains betrays the seriousness of the moment.

“Those who attempt to politicise or misrepresent this conversation for cheap popularity betray the seriousness of the moment. Nigerians deserve honest dialogue and practical solutions, not mongering or mischief.

“We reaffirmed our support for both the Renewed Hope security reforms and the united stance of South-West leaders. The security of our people is non-negotiable. The time for state police is not just ripe. It is overdue,” the APC stated.