I Tried To Reach Tinubu During Oyo Kidnap Crisis, But All Access Was Blocked – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that he made efforts to reach President Bola Tinubu during the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state but could not gain access to him.

Makinde said he attempted to see the President because he expected the Federal Government to be concerned about the kidnapping crisis, which kept the victims in captivity for 56 days.

The governor made the disclosure during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, where he also said Tinubu had neither called him nor spoken with him directly since the incident.

“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,” he said.

Asked if the President eventually contacted him, Makinde answered, “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”

He added that he had also called the State Chief of Protocol to facilitate access to Tinubu, but the official did not answer his call.

Makinde said he had not had any direct conversation with the President about anything, insisting that he was focused on running the state.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area and took away pupils and teachers.

The victims were held for 56 days before the Nigerian Army announced their rescue on July 10 following a security operation involving multiple agencies.

Beyond the security crisis, Makinde questioned the Federal Government’s accountability, particularly in the electricity sector, asking how Nigeria’s resources and reserves could be reflected in the daily lives of citizens.

Speaking on the 2027 presidential race, the governor expressed confidence in his political chances, pointing to the increase in votes secured by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso between previous elections and the 2023 general election.

He said his position was informed by data, science and logic.

Makinde also pledged to establish a Government of National Unity and serve only one term if elected President. He, however, questioned whether Tinubu would honour a similar arrangement, despite an agreement he said was signed on the President’s behalf by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The governor further alleged that several appointees in Tinubu’s administration were wealthy individuals rather than people selected strictly on merit.

He also recounted an encounter involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, alleging that Wike knelt and pledged allegiance to Tinubu during a meeting with the President.

Makinde disclosed that representatives of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had also approached him about becoming Atiku’s running mate, but he rejected the offer because he was already three years into his first term as governor.