Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that President Bola Tinubu neither took nor returned his calls during the 56-day captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, despite his efforts to reach the President over the security crisis.
Makinde made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe on Friday, where he discussed his relationship with Tinubu, whom he supported in the 2023 presidential election .
The governor said he attempted to see the President when the victims were kidnapped, believing the Federal Government would show concern over 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. Actually, I expected the President to call me,” Makinde said .
Asked whether Tinubu eventually contacted him, Makinde replied: “He did not. No. Till tomorrow” .
He explained that he also reached out to the State Chief of Protocol in an attempt to secure access to the President, but the official did not answer his call .
The governor maintained that he had not spoken directly with Tinubu about anything since then.
“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 .
When asked what caused the apparent 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, he may likely run against you.’ I don’t know. That may cause bad blood between us,” he said .
Forty-six pupils and teachers were abducted from three schools in Oriire on May 15, 2026. Two teachers were killed, while 44 victims eventually returned after 56 days in captivity .
The Nigerian Army announced their rescue on July 10, following a security operation involving multiple agencies. Tinubu had publicly praised the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government during efforts to secure the abductees’ release .
Makinde acknowledged federal security agencies’ contribution to the eventual rescue, but maintained that rescuing the victims could not by itself settle questions surrounding the attack. He set up a judicial commission of inquiry to establish how the attack occurred and whether there were intelligence or operational failures .
Makinde’s remarks on Friday contrast with the position taken by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in July 2026.
Akume had faulted Makinde for politicising the abduction, insisting that Tinubu prioritised the rescue over making telephone calls.
“Would a telephone call to that person have resolved the case? Would those held captives have been released? No. It is the strategy being used to ensure the safety of those held in captivity that should be paramount,” Akume had said .
