Makinde Says Tinubu Never Called Him During 56-Day Oyo School Abduction Crisis

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said 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 when the victims were kidnapped, expecting the Federal Government to show interest in the security crisis affecting Oyo State.

According to him, he believed the President should have reached out because the abduction involved schoolchildren and teachers.

“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,” Makinde said.

Asked whether Tinubu eventually contacted him, the governor replied that he had not received any call from the President.

“He did not. No. Till tomorrow,” he said.

Makinde explained that he also attempted to reach the President through the State Chief of Protocol but did not receive a response to his call.

He further clarified that he had not spoken directly with Tinubu about any matter, adding that he was focused on governing Oyo State.

“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 stated.

When asked about the apparent distance between both politicians, Makinde said he could only speculate about the possible reason.

He suggested that reports of a possible presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election might have contributed to tensions, although he stressed that he did not know whether this was the case.

“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 comments come 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.