Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said President Bola Tinubu did not contact him during the 56-day captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in the state, despite his attempt to reach the President.
Makinde made the disclosure during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, while discussing his relationship with Tinubu and the response to the May 15 schoolchildren and teachers abduction.
The governor’s comments come months after pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained freedom after 56 days in captivity.
Makinde said he had attempted to see the President when the victims were kidnapped, expecting that the Federal Government would be interested in the security crisis affecting the state.
“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.
Asked whether Tinubu called him, Makinde replied, “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”
The governor said he also contacted the State Chief of Protocol in an attempt to reach the President, but the official did not answer his call.
“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,” the governor said.
On what caused the breakdown in their relationship, Makinde said he could only speculate that it might be connected to suggestions that he could contest against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
“Well, I can only hazard a guess. Maybe some people went and told him, ‘Look, he may likely run against you.’ I don’t know. That may cause bad blood between us,” the governor said.
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