Makinde: Tinubu Never Called Me During 56 Days of Schoolchildren’s Abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu never contacted him throughout the 56 days that abducted schoolchildren and their teachers spent in captivity in the state.

Makinde said he had expected the President to reach out during the security crisis but did not receive a single phone call from him despite making efforts to arrange a meeting with the Nigerian leader.

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The governor made the revelation during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, where he also discussed his relationship with Tinubu and the possibility of a political disagreement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde Reveals Failed Attempts to Reach Tinubu

Recounting his efforts to contact the President following the abduction, Makinde said he believed the Federal Government should demonstrate concern whenever any part of the country experienced a major security challenge.

He explained that he attempted to secure a meeting with Tinubu because of the seriousness of the incident and the need for cooperation between the state and federal governments.

He said, “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.”

Asked whether Tinubu eventually contacted him, the governor responded:

“He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”

Makinde further disclosed that he attempted to reach the President through the State Chief of Protocol but was unsuccessful because the official did not answer his call.

He insisted that he had not spoken directly with Tinubu about any matter since the incident.

“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.

Makinde Speculates on Possible Political Tension

The governor was also questioned about the apparent distance in his relationship with Tinubu, particularly considering that he supported the President during the 2023 general election.

Makinde said he could not establish the exact reason for the change in their relationship but suggested that speculation about his possible presidential ambition in 2027 might have contributed to the situation.

He said some individuals might have informed Tinubu that he was considering contesting against him in the next 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,” the governor said.

Schoolchildren, Teachers Spent 56 Days in Captivity

The comments come months after gunmen abducted schoolchildren and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during an attack on schools in the area.

They remained in captivity for 56 days before the Nigerian Army announced their rescue on July 10, following a security operation involving multiple agencies.

The incident generated widespread concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities across the country.

Following the victims’ rescue, Makinde publicly expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts, describing their release as a major relief for Oyo State.

His latest revelation, however, has drawn attention to the communication between the state government and the Presidency during the prolonged abduction crisis.

The governor’s comments also come amid growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with questions surrounding possible alliances, presidential ambitions and relationships among key political figures.