The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign from office following his remarks that limitations in the nation’s security structure hinder his ability to adequately protect residents of the state.
Governor Makinde reportedly made the statement on Saturday in Ibadan while delivering his acceptance speech as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
According to reports, the governor lamented that he had limited capacity to rescue schoolchildren and other victims abducted by bandits in two remote communities in Oriire Local Government Area, noting that security agencies remain under the control of the Federal Government.
Reacting to the governor’s comments, the APC, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Oyo State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described Makinde’s disclosure as evidence of “cluelessness, insincerity and ineptitude,” insisting that he should step aside and allow his deputy to complete the remaining year of his administration.
The opposition party argued that Governor Makinde willingly swore to uphold the Constitution and safeguard the lives and property of Oyo residents, adding that he had exercised the powers and privileges of office without objection until confronted with growing security challenges.
“Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution when he swore to protect the lives and property of the people of Oyo State,” the statement read. “He has been using the powers of his office to control resources and governance without complaints until now that he faces a serious challenge which, in our view, stems from incompetence and poor leadership.”
The APC further accused the governor of attempting to politicise the worsening security situation to advance what it described as a “mirage” of a presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“With his latest comments, Governor Makinde has again exposed what we consider hypocrisy and insensitivity. If he truly believes he lacks the capacity to guarantee the security of residents because of constitutional limitations, then he should vacate office,” the statement added.
The party also compared Makinde’s administration with those of former governors of the state, including Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala and the late Abiola Ajimobi, claiming that none presided over security challenges of the current magnitude under the same constitutional arrangement.
According to the APC, the late former Governor Ajimobi strengthened the state’s security framework through the establishment of a Security Trust Fund and by encouraging collaboration among key stakeholders.
The party maintained that Oyo residents deserve “a sincere, humble and team-oriented leader,” alleging that Makinde had failed to demonstrate such qualities during his years in office.
“Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival, but our concern remains the losses and hardship which the people of Oyo State may continue to face under his leadership,” Sadare stated.
The APC concluded by urging the governor to apologise to residents and resign if he believes he cannot effectively discharge his constitutional responsibilities regarding security
