Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has stated that he cannot fully address the worsening insecurity in Nigeria until he becomes President in 2027. The governor made this declaration on Saturday in Ibadan while accepting the presidential nomination of the African People's Movement. His remarks come amid escalating concerns over kidnappings and abductions in Oyo State and across the country.
Governor's Limitations on Security
Makinde noted that although governors are often referred to as the Chief Security Officers of their states, they lack constitutional authority over the security agencies required to effectively combat insecurity. He expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and other residents in Oyo State, describing the situation as painful. “Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State,” he said.
Call for Security Restructuring
The governor argued that governors should not be held fully accountable for security outcomes without the power to act decisively. He called for a restructuring of Nigeria's security system to empower states. “As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis,” he pledged.
Vision for 2027
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Makinde promised that if elected President, he would prioritize security reforms, including the decentralization of security management to give states greater capacity to respond to local threats. He emphasized that Nigeria needs a new approach to governance and security, stressing that leadership must be based on accountability, competence, and effective action.
