Jul 6, 2026

“No Call From Tinubu”: Makinde Told Obi After 50 Days of Ogbomoso Kidnapping

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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IBADAN, Oyo State — In a striking revelation that has intensified scrutiny on federal response to insecurity, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate for 2027, Peter Obi, disclosed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde told him President Bola Tinubu has not reached out since the abduction of 37 schoolchildren and teachers more than 50 days ago.

Obi made the comment after visiting Governor Makinde in Ibadan alongside economist Prof. Pat Utomi to express solidarity with the people of Oyo State over the prolonged crisis.

The abduction occurred in Ogbomoso, and despite the extended ordeal, Obi said he was shocked to learn there had been no direct communication from the President.

“I discovered, to my utmost shock, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from Tinubu,” Obi stated.

Drawing from his experience as former Anambra State Governor, Obi contrasted the current situation with past administrations.

He recalled how former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan promptly engaged state governors during major security incidents.

Obi also noted Tinubu’s past criticism of Jonathan’s handling of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction.

The Former Labour Party Presidential Candidate and OBIdient movement leader highlighted that over 13 school kidnappings have reportedly occurred under the Tinubu administration, yet affected governors allegedly receive little to no direct presidential intervention.

He described the Oyo situation as evidence of a “collapse in governance,” citing a lack of both capacity and compassion.

Obi further argued that the government and people of Oyo State “should rightly feel bitter and abandoned.” He called on Tinubu to either resign or step aside from seeking re-election in 2027, framing the appeal as “patriotic, not political.”

The abduction of the 37 victims in Ogbomoso remains unresolved, fueling public frustration and questions about the effectiveness of security architecture under the current federal government.

Governor Makinde’s administration has faced pressure to secure the release, while critics point to broader challenges in tackling banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria’s Southwest and other regions.

This development comes amid heightened political temperatures as various actors position themselves for the 2027 presidential race.

Obi’s comments, widely shared on social media, have sparked debates on federalism, executive responsiveness, and leadership empathy during national crises.

As families of the abducted pupils and teachers continue to wait in anguish, Obi’s revelation underscores the human cost of perceived governance gaps.

Whether it prompts a swift federal response or further widens political divides remains to be seen.

For a nation battling multifaceted security threats, moments like this test public faith in leadership and the bonds between federal and state authorities.

Nigerians across party lines continue to demand decisive action and compassionate engagement from those in power.