By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Seyi Makinde, has called for reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture, saying state governors are often blamed for insecurity despite lacking constitutional authority to direct security agencies operating in their states.
Makinde made the remarks on Friday during a visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed alongside APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle. The meeting, held behind closed doors, focused on security, governance and political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to questions on insecurity in Oyo State, Makinde said governors are held accountable for security failures without having the powers required to address them effectively.
Recalling the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, he said President Goodluck Jonathan faced widespread criticism at the time, adding that governors now face similar public scrutiny whenever security incidents occur in their states despite lacking operational control over security agencies.
Makinde said Nigeria’s security framework should be reviewed to ensure that responsibility is matched with the authority needed to carry it out.
“We need to review our security architecture and ensure that whenever responsibility is assigned, the authority to discharge that responsibility is also given. That is exactly what we will do if the people of Nigeria place their trust in the APM,” he said.
Speaking after the meeting, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said discussions also centred on building a credible opposition capable of offering Nigerians alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle expressed confidence in the party’s prospects and criticised the Federal Government’s handling of reports that Nigerians were being repatriated from South Africa. He also faulted recent developments in the National Assembly, describing them as detrimental to democratic governance.
Meanwhile, Makinde welcomed the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their release as a major relief.
The Presidency announced on Friday that all the victims, who had spent 57 days in captivity, were rescued during a coordinated security operation.
Expressing gratitude, Makinde commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, their service chiefs and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
“It is such a big relief for all of us and for those who have been waiting over the past 57 days. I am overjoyed and grateful to everyone involved in making this rescue possible,” the governor said.
