​’I Am Incapacitated’ — Makinde Blames Federal Control for Oyo Kidnappings

IBADAN — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed deep frustration over Nigeria’s centralized security architecture. He declared that the current constitutional framework leaves state governors entirely powerless to effectively combat the rising wave of kidnappings and abductions across the country.

​Speaking on Saturday in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde lamented that despite holding the title of Chief Security Officer of his state, the lack of direct authority over federal security agencies severely limits his capacity to protect citizens.

​The governor’s critical remarks coincided with a pivotal political milestone, as he formally accepted the presidential nomination of the African People’s Movement (APM) for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The development follows a major political alliance between elements of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the APM to present a unified opposition platform.

​The Burden of Leadership Without Authority

​Addressing a massive gathering of party stalwarts and supporters, Governor Makinde stated that the ongoing captivity of innocent schoolchildren and other residents recently abducted by armed bandits in Oyo State remains a painful and constant reminder of institutional failures.

​”Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State. As Governor of Oyo State, I carry the burden of being called the Chief Security Officer of the state, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies required to fully address these threats.”

​The governor argued that it is structurally flawed to hold elected state executives accountable for security breaches when they lack the independent command structure to deploy tactical operations.

​”No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” Makinde declared, adding that the country cannot afford to cycle through the same failed approaches while expecting different results.

​A Promise to Restructure National Security

​Positioning his newly minted presidential bid as a direct remedy to the nation’s structural crises, Makinde promised a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s policing and defense architecture if elected to the presidency. He emphasized that decentralization would form the cornerstone of his governance agenda.

​”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 stated.

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​He further gave assurances that under his administration, the safety of lives and property would be handled as a “sacred national responsibility” rather than being reduced to mere political rhetoric or campaign slogans.

​A Nation in Need of a Reset

​The governor acknowledged that his presidential nomination comes at a turbulent period for the country, noting that the event was overshadowed by severe socio-economic hardships. He pointed out that millions of Nigerians are currently grappling with crushing hunger, rampant insecurity, soaring transportation costs, high unemployment, and profound uncertainty about the future.

​”Nigeria is hurting,” Makinde told the cheering crowd, observing a growing disillusionment among ordinary citizens who are questioning when governance will yield tangible benefits.

​Insisting that the country requires an immediate change of direction rooted in competence, accountability, and courage, the governor concluded with a clear mandate for his campaign: “My answer is simple: Nigeria must reset.”

​With the Southwest states reportedly backing his cross-party presidential ticket under the APM banner, Makinde’s declaration signals a major shakeup in the emerging political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.