“APC’s New Strategy Against Makinde?” — Political Tensions Rise as Oyo Security Debate Turns Explosive
The political atmosphere in Oyo State appears to be heating up ahead of the 2027 elections, as fresh attacks from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Governor Seyi Makinde continue to generate reactions across the state.
What began as a disagreement over state policing and Amotekun has now evolved into a broader political confrontation involving accusations of insecurity, governance failure, and alleged political manipulation.
Recently, the Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Olalekan Glory, launched a strong criticism against Governor Makinde following the governor’s remarks concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state policing, and the role of the South-West security network, Amotekun.
In a statement titled “Governor Makinde’s Attack on President Tinubu Is a Desperate Diversion From Oyo State Government’s Security Failures,” the APC youth leader accused Governor Makinde of attempting to shift public attention away from rising insecurity challenges in Oyo State.
According to him, insecurity including kidnapping, robbery, communal clashes, and farmers-herders conflicts has continued to affect many parts of the state despite what he described as huge security allocations available to the Oyo State Government.
The APC youth leader argued that Amotekun was never designed to replace a constitutionally recognized state police structure but was merely established as a complementary regional security outfit to support federal security agencies.
He further defended President Tinubu’s position on state policing, insisting that security reforms must be approached carefully within constitutional and national frameworks rather than through political sentiment.
The statement also faulted Governor Makinde’s comments suggesting that Lagos State did not fully align with the Amotekun initiative because President Tinubu allegedly did not support it. According to the APC chieftain, Lagos had already developed effective community policing and local security mechanisms long before the emergence of Amotekun.
The APC youth leader subsequently challenged Governor Makinde to explain why several rural communities, particularly in Oke-Ogun and other vulnerable areas, still reportedly experience security threats despite ongoing security interventions.
He questioned the effectiveness of intelligence gathering within the state and claimed that many residents were gradually losing confidence in the government’s ability to coordinate security operations effectively.
The statement concluded with strong support for President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the Federal Government remains committed to nationwide security reforms, improved intelligence operations, and cooperation with state governments regardless of political affiliation.
However, the attacks against Governor Makinde did not stop there.
Former media aide and opposition figure, Lere Olayinka, also criticized the governor following reports of the abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State.
Reacting online, Olayinka condemned Governor Makinde for attending a political gathering while concerns over the kidnapped victims remained unresolved. He argued that the governor appeared too politically engaged at a time many residents expected urgent government attention toward the safety and rescue of the victims.
Olayinka further stated that despite the seriousness of the incident, Governor Makinde was seen smiling publicly during the political event, a development he described as insensitive considering the prevailing security concerns.
He nevertheless prayed for the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
The criticisms have since generated intense reactions among political observers and supporters of the governor, many of whom argue that Nigerian governors operate under severe constitutional limitations when it comes to controlling security agencies.
Several commentators noted that governors do not possess direct operational control over the police or military despite being officially referred to as “Chief Security Officers” of their states.
Others defended the Amotekun corps, insisting that the regional security outfit lacks the constitutional authority, sophisticated weapons, funding structure, and operational freedom necessary to confront heavily armed criminal elements effectively.
Some political observers have also suggested that the growing criticism against Governor Makinde resembles previous political strategies allegedly used against former President Goodluck Jonathan during periods of heightened insecurity.
According to these views, insecurity incidents are increasingly being weaponized politically as part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition strongholds ahead of future elections.
Supporters of Governor Makinde have therefore urged the governor to remain politically cautious, arguing that the current wave of criticism may be part of a larger political calculation aimed at influencing Oyo State’s political direction ahead of 2027.
Despite the growing political drama, many residents believe the larger issue remains the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms in Nigeria, including clearer constitutional roles for state governments, improved local policing structures, and better coordination between federal and state security institutions.
As the debate continues, one thing remains certain: the battle for political dominance in Oyo State may have already begun long before the next election cycle officially arrives.
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