Patriots Group Warns Over Nigeria’s Worsening Insecurity, Calls for National Emergency

A political group, The Patriots, has described Nigeria’s security situation as alarming, warning that persistent killings, kidnappings, and attacks by bandits and other armed groups are threatening national stability.

The group stated this in a communiqué issued after its meeting at its secretariat in Lagos, where members reviewed the state of the nation and discussed preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The communiqué, signed by the Chairman, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and Secretary-General, Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, said violent attacks have continued across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, adding that insecurity is now spreading into parts of the South-West. The group said this development raises concerns about the country’s overall stability.

The Patriots also expressed concern about the rising number of internally displaced persons, saying widespread insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, worsening food security across the country.

The group urged the federal government to treat insecurity as a national emergency due to its grave consequences for governance, economic survival, and public safety. It called for the creation of a special advisory committee to support government efforts in addressing the different dimensions of the security crisis.

While acknowledging recent economic reforms by the federal government, The Patriots said poverty remains severe, especially in rural areas. Citing National Bureau of Statistics figures, the group said about 63 percent of Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty.

The Patriots also renewed its call for a new democratic constitution, arguing that the current 1999 Constitution is a product of military imposition and no longer reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the group criticised the lack of ideology among political parties, saying it has encouraged frequent defections by elected officials. It said parties are often seen as vehicles for acquiring power and public office rather than platforms driven by clear principles and programmes.

The group urged political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns, warning against personal attacks, divisive rhetoric, and inflammatory political conduct.

It further lamented the alleged collapse of public institutions and declining leadership values, urging Nigerians to support only candidates and parties committed to restructuring Nigeria’s governance system.

The Patriots warned that the conduct of the 2027 elections at federal, state, and local government levels would be closely monitored by the international community.

On electoral participation, the group criticised the high cost of politics, arguing that expensive nomination and expression of interest forms effectively exclude ordinary citizens, including professionals, academics, and teachers, from contesting.

It also said the federal government has not done enough to address insecurity and reiterated its support for broader electoral reforms, including independent candidacy, as a way to make Nigeria’s political process more inclusive.