Tinubu never called me during Oyo kidnapping crisis — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Photo: Oyo State Govt

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said President Bola Tinubu did not contact him during the 56-day captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in the state, despite his attempt to reach the President.

Makinde disclosed this during an exclusive interview with Arise Television on Friday, while speaking about his relationship with Tinubu, whom he supported during the 2023 presidential election.

The governor said he had attempted to see the President when the victims were kidnapped, expecting that the Federal Government would be interested in the security crisis affecting the state.

“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 whether Tinubu called him, Makinde replied, “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”

He explained that he also contacted the State Chief of Protocol in an attempt to reach the President, but the official did not answer his call.

The governor, however, clarified that he had not spoken directly with Tinubu about anything.

“I’m saying it again that till tomorrow I’ve not spoken directly with the President, about anything. I’m just minding my own business, running Oyo State. And I’m not complaining,” he said.

The interviewer questioned the apparent distance between the two politicians, noting that Makinde had supported Tinubu’s election and that the President secured votes in Oyo State.

Asked what caused the breakdown in their relationship, Makinde said he could only speculate that it might be connected to suggestions that he could contest against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“Well, I can only hazard a guess. Maybe some people went and told him, ‘Look, she may likely run against you.’ I don’t know. That may cause bad blood between us,” he said.

The governor’s comments come months after pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained freedom following 56 days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in the area.

The Nigerian Army announced their rescue on July 10, following a security operation involving multiple agencies.

Makinde had, however, publicly thanked Tinubu and security agencies after the victims were rescued, describing their release as a major relief.