President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he assured officials from the United States and Europe that his administration is committed to introducing state police as part of efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria.

The President made this known on Thursday while speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He explained that he engaged in extensive discussions with Nigeria’s partners from the US and Europe, during which he expressed confidence that the establishment of state police would help address the country’s security challenges.

According to Tinubu, when his partners asked whether he was confident in carrying out the initiative, he affirmed his resolve, noting that he had the backing of his political party. He stressed that political reconciliation and unity within the party remain the collective responsibility of leaders at all levels, adding that openness, tolerance and flexibility are vital ingredients for stability and national progress.

The President also referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling granting autonomy to local governments, urging APC leaders to actively support its full implementation as a way of deepening grassroots governance. He cautioned that autonomy would be ineffective without adequate funding, insisting that statutory allocations meant for local councils must be paid directly to them in line with the court’s decision.

Emphasising leadership accountability, Tinubu called on party leaders to approach their responsibilities with seriousness, noting that effective governance at the local level would contribute significantly to peace and stability in communities. He further appealed for increased participation of women in party leadership, urging stakeholders to create opportunities that would encourage more women to play active roles within the party.

Earlier in his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima underscored the need for the APC to consolidate its growing influence nationwide. He warned that sustaining political success demands discipline, unity and prudent handling of internal party democracy.

Shettima highlighted the party’s expanding presence across the six geopolitical zones, pointing to gains made through new members and defections. He cautioned against complacency, noting that internal weaknesses, rather than external opposition, pose the greatest threat to continued dominance.

The Vice President expressed confidence in the APC’s strength in various regions, citing the party’s control of multiple states across the South-South, North Central, Northwest, Southwest and Northeast. He also referenced the defection of prominent political figures as evidence of the party’s growing appeal.

Shettima reassured governors and politicians who recently joined the APC that they were welcome in the party, adding that the increasing interest from political actors signalled that the ruling party would remain a dominant force in Nigerian politics well beyond the 2027 general elections.