Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has stated that he cannot resolve Nigeria’s insecurity completely until he becomes president, noting that governors in Nigeria do not have constitutional power over federal security agencies.
He made the statement while receiving the Allied People’s Movement (APM) Presidential Nomination for the 2027 general elections.
Makinde argued that while he is the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State, governors are relatively incapacitated during crises without the requisite authority like command over the police.
He has called for national security to be decentralized and state police to be created.
His recent comments come amid a spike in kidnappings and abductions in the state including the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire local government.
He lamented the continued captivity of abducted school children and other residents in Oyo State, describing the situation as painful.
“Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens taken away by criminals are still being held captive in Oyo State,” he said.
He argued that governors should not be held fully responsible for security outcomes without the authority to act decisively, calling for a re-organising of Nigeria’s security system.
Looking ahead to 2027, Makinde pledged that if elected President, he would prioritize security reforms including decentralisation of security management to give states greater capacity to respond to local threats.
“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I shall work to reform our national security architecture so that states will no longer be left helpless in moments of crisis,” he said.
He said Nigeria needs a new way of governance and security, stating that leadership must be based on accountability, competence and action.
