The leadership of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday paid a high-level condolence visit to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, following the recent wave of insecurity and tragic incidents recorded in parts of the state.
The delegation, led by respected PDP chieftain and former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the party’s national leadership with the government and people of Oyo State during what it described as a painful and difficult period.
The visit comes amid growing national conversations around security challenges across Nigeria and renewed calls for deeper collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in combating insecurity.
Speaking during the visit, Turaki SAN expressed the condolences of the PDP leadership and members nationwide to Governor Makinde and residents of the state over the unfortunate security incidents that recently shook Oyo State.
He commended the swift responses and proactive measures already initiated by the Makinde-led administration to address the situation, noting that the Governor had continued to demonstrate leadership and calmness despite the tension created by the incidents.
Turaki, however, stressed the urgent need for structural reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly at the sub-national level. According to him, state governments require stronger operational authority and greater control over internal security mechanisms to effectively protect lives and property within their territories.
The PDP leader urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the current security framework and empower governors with more practical authority to respond swiftly to emerging threats in their respective states.
Observers say the visit also carried strong political symbolism, especially at a time when concerns are being raised in some quarters over the perceived absence of an official Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the state over the incidents.
Responding, Governor Makinde appreciated the PDP leadership for standing with the people of Oyo State during the difficult period, describing the gesture as proof of genuine friendship and political solidarity.
“You really know your friends when you are in bad times, and you have proven to be our good friends,” the Governor told the delegation.
Makinde further reassured residents that his administration remained fully committed to restoring confidence and ensuring that every necessary action is taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
According to the Governor, security agencies and relevant stakeholders are already working closely with the state government to conclusively address the matter and strengthen preventive measures across vulnerable areas.
He acknowledged that the incident had deeply traumatised many citizens and created anxiety among residents, but maintained that the people of Oyo State remained united and determined in the collective fight against insecurity.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, protecting investments, and preserving the state’s reputation as one of the most stable and economically attractive destinations in Nigeria.
Members of the PDP delegation included Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees; Dr. Daniel Woyengikuro, Deputy National Chairman (South); Richard Ihediwa, Deputy National Secretary; Daniel Obiechina, National Financial Secretary; Hon. Wale Aribisala, National Auditor; Dr. Abdu Bulama, former Minister for Science and Technology; Ibrahim Abdullahi Esq., Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman; and Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary.
Political analysts believe the visit reinforces the PDP’s continued support for Governor Makinde, who remains one of the party’s most influential figures nationally and a major voice in conversations surrounding governance, restructuring, and security reforms in Nigeria.
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