Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu did not contact him throughout the 56 days that abducted pupils and teachers in the state remained in captivity, despite his efforts to reach the President during the security crisis.
Makinde made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with Arise Television on Friday, while discussing his relationship with Tinubu, whom he supported in the 2023 presidential election.
The governor said he had expected the President to show concern over the abduction and had attempted to meet him following the incident.
“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 if Tinubu eventually called him, Makinde responded, “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”
He added that he had also attempted to contact the State Chief of Protocol to facilitate communication with the President, but the official did not pick up his call.
Makinde further maintained that he had never had a direct conversation with Tinubu on 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 drew attention to the apparent strain in the relationship between the two politicians, noting that Makinde had backed Tinubu’s presidential ambition in 2023 and that the President secured votes in Oyo State.
Asked what might have caused the breakdown in their relationship, the governor said he could only speculate that the situation might be linked to the possibility of him contesting the 2027 presidential election against Tinubu.
“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 governor’s remarks come months after pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were freed 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 after a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.
Makinde had earlier expressed appreciation to Tinubu and security agencies following the victims’ release, describing the development as a major relief.
