Makinde Says Tinubu Never Called Him During 56-Day Abduction of Oyo Pupils

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu did not contact him during the 56-day captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in the state, despite his attempts to reach the President.

Makinde made the disclosure during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, while discussing his relationship with Tinubu, whom he supported during the 2023 presidential election.

The governor said he attempted to meet the President following the abduction, expecting the Federal Government to show concern over the security crisis in Oyo State.

According to him, he also expected Tinubu to personally contact him to discuss the situation and efforts to secure the release of the victims.

“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,” he said.

When asked whether the President eventually contacted him, Makinde replied, “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”

The governor further disclosed that he attempted to reach Tinubu through the State Chief of Protocol, but the official did not answer his call.

Makinde, however, clarified that he had not spoken directly with the President about any matter.

“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.

During the interview, the presenter questioned the apparent distance between the two politicians, considering Makinde’s support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and the President’s performance in Oyo State during the polls.

Asked what might have caused the breakdown in their relationship, the governor said he could only speculate that it might be connected to suggestions that he could challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“Well, I can only hazard a guess. Maybe some people went and told him, ‘Look, she may likely run against you.’ I don’t know. That may cause bad blood between us,” he said.

The comments come months after pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom following 56 days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in the area.

The Nigerian Army announced their rescue on July 10, following a security operation involving multiple agencies.

Makinde had subsequently thanked Tinubu and security agencies for their roles in securing the victims’ release, describing their freedom as a major relief.