Tinubu never called me during Oyo kidnapping crisis — Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has claimed that President Bola Tinubu did not contact him during the 56-day ordeal of pupils and teachers kidnapped in the state. Makinde made the revelation in an exclusive interview with Arise Television, discussing his relationship with Tinubu, whom he supported in the 2023 presidential election.

According to the governor, he had hoped to meet the President when the crisis unfolded, expecting a response from the Federal Government regarding the security situation in Oyo 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," Makinde stated.

He further mentioned that he reached out to the State Chief of Protocol to arrange a meeting with Tinubu, but the official did not respond to his call. Makinde emphasized that he had never had a direct conversation with the President about any matter, stating, "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." The governor also criticized Tinubu's performance, giving him a score of 34%, and backed the establishment of state police in the region. When questioned about the strained relations between the two politicians, Makinde suggested that it may be due to rumors suggesting that he could contest against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.