The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign if he believes he lacks the constitutional authority and security apparatus to protect residents. The opposition party's demand follows comments by Makinde during his acceptance speech as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan, where he attributed insecurity challenges to federal control over security agencies.
Governor's Remarks Spark Controversy
Makinde reportedly stated that he could do little to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to lack of direct control over security agencies. In response, APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare issued a statement on Sunday describing the governor's remarks as an admission of failure and evidence of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude in handling security.
The APC argued that Makinde willingly swore to uphold the Constitution and protect lives and property when assuming office. The statement read: “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution when he gleefully swore on it twice to protect the lives and properties of the people of the state. He has been using the powers of his office to control resources and people without complaints until now that he is confronted with a serious challenge. Rather than accept responsibility, he is attempting to blame the constitutional arrangement for his shortcomings.”
Accusations of Political Ambition
The APC accused the governor of using the security situation to advance a “mirage” presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election, calling his comments insensitive to families of abducted victims. The party noted that previous administrations under Governors Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Abiola Ajimobi operated under the same constitutional framework without similar complaints. It highlighted the Security Trust Fund established during Ajimobi’s tenure, which enhanced funding and collaboration among security stakeholders.
The statement continued: “With his latest comments, Governor Makinde has again exposed the contradictions in his leadership. If he truly believes he lacks the capacity or authority to guarantee the security of residents, then the honourable thing to do is to resign and allow his deputy to complete the remaining period of the administration.”
Presidential Ambition Dismissed
The APC dismissed Makinde’s presidential aspiration, asserting that his performance on security had weakened any claim to higher office. “Certainly, Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival, but our greater concern is the hardship, losses and insecurity which residents may continue to face in the remaining period of his administration,” the statement added.
The party urged the governor to focus on governance and security rather than political ambitions, emphasizing that Oyo residents deserve effective leadership to address immediate challenges.
