The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has defended its presidential candidate and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the recent abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State, accusing leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of reacting with “panic” and raising questions over their opposition to the proposal.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party described the criticism of Makinde‘s position by APC leaders, including senior government officials and lawmakers, as suspicious, insisting that only those afraid of the truth would oppose an independent investigation into the incident.

 

The party argued that Makinde’s appeal for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability rather than undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty.

 

According to the APM, the circumstances surrounding the abduction were serious enough to warrant an independent examination beyond domestic institutions.

 

It maintained that the governor’s request for international involvement was intended to strengthen public confidence in the investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or political affiliation, would be held accountable.

 

The party rejected claims by APC leaders that the call amounted to an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty, contending that collaboration with international organisations in combating terrorism was already an established practice by the Federal Government.

 

To support its position, the APM recalled that President Bola Tinubu had, on several occasions, appealed for greater international cooperation in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, including at the United Nations General Assembly and during engagements with officials of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

 

The opposition party questioned why APC leaders would oppose Makinde’s proposal if they had nothing to conceal, arguing that seeking the truth behind the kidnapping should be in the national interest.

 

It further alleged that the strong reactions from some APC figures had fuelled public suspicion, while referencing past allegations by a former APC leader that political actors imported foreign elements as mercenaries ahead of the 2015 general elections.

 

The APM said prominent government officials, including former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, ought to be championing efforts to establish the facts surrounding the abduction instead of criticising the governor’s position.

 

Reaffirming its support for Makinde, the party said it remained committed to the pursuit of truth and accountability in matters affecting the security of Nigerians.

 

The party also commended the country’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, praising their professionalism and sacrifice in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

 

It urged security personnel to remain steadfast in their efforts to protect lives and property across the country, while reiterating that uncovering the truth behind the Oyo abduction was essential to strengthening national security and public confidence.