Tinubu Never Called Me During Oyo Kidnapping Crisis – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu did not contact him throughout the 56 days that schoolchildren and their teachers remained in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Makinde made the disclosure on Friday, November 13, during an interview with Arise Television, where he discussed his relationship with the President and the Federal Government’s response to the kidnapping incident.

The governor said he had expected Tinubu to reach out because the abduction represented a major security challenge that required the attention of both the state and federal governments.

According to him, he also attempted to arrange a meeting with the President after the incident, believing that the Federal Government would be interested in the situation and the efforts to secure the victims’ release.

“I tried to see the President when our students and our children and their teachers were kidnapped, because I thought if any part of Nigeria is going through such a challenge, the President should be interested. Actually, I expected the President to call me,” Makinde said.

When asked directly whether Tinubu eventually contacted him, the governor replied, “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”

Makinde also disclosed that he attempted to reach the Presidency through the State Chief of Protocol but did not receive a response to his calls.

He said he had not spoken directly with Tinubu about the incident, adding that his attention remained focused on governing Oyo State.

The abduction involved pupils and teachers who were held for 56 days before their eventual release. The incident generated widespread concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities.

Makinde’s comments have brought renewed attention to the relationship between state governments and the Federal Government in responding to major security emergencies.

The governor had supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election. However, he has since become a political opponent of the President ahead of the 2027 general election.

Makinde is seeking the presidency under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), while Tinubu is expected to pursue re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).