‎2027 Poll: Makinde Tells Voters, Only President Can End Banditry

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lamented his inability to fully tackle the growing wave of kidnappings and abd¥ctions in the state, saying governors lack constitutional control over security agencies despite being referred to as Chief Security Officers.
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‎Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday while accepting the presidential nomination of the African People’s Movement (APM), Makinde said the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and residents in Oyo remains painful.
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‎“Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abd¥cted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State,” Makinde said.
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‎“As Governor of Oyo State, I carry the burden of being called the Chief Security Officer of the state, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies required to fully address these threat.”
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‎Makinde argued that governors should not be blamed for insecurity when they do not control the agencies responsible for tackling it.
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‎“No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” he stated.
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‎The governor promised to reform Nigeria’s security structure if elected president, insisting that states must have greater powers to respond to security threats.
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‎“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis,” he said.
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‎He added that decentralisation would be a major part of his security agenda.
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‎“The decentralisation necessary for more effective security management will be prioritised. The safety and security of Nigerians will never be treated as a political slogan,” Makinde declared.
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‎Makinde further said, Nigerians are demanding leadership that delivers real results.
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‎“We cannot continue recycling the same approaches while expecting different outcomes. A new direction must emerge, one founded on competence, courage, accountability and compassion,” Makinde added.
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