The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked Governor Seyi Makinde to resign from office if he believes he lacks the constitutional powers and security apparatus required to protect residents of the state.

The opposition party’s position followed comments made by Makinde during his acceptance speech as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan, where he attributed limitations in tackling insecurity to the fact that security agencies remain under the control of the Federal Government.

Makinde was quoted as saying there was little he could do to secure the release of schoolchildren and other residents abducted by suspected bandits in communities within Oriire Local Government Area because he lacked direct control over security agencies.

Reacting in a statement issued on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC described the governor’s remarks as an admission of failure and evidence of what it termed “cluelessness, insincerity and criminal ineptitude” in the handling of security challenges confronting the state.

The party argued that Makinde willingly swore to uphold the Constitution and protect lives and property when he assumed office and should therefore not seek to shift responsibility over insecurity.

“Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution when he gleefully swore on it twice to protect the lives and properties of the people of the state,” the statement said.

“He has been using the powers of his office to control resources and people without complaints until now that he is confronted with a serious challenge. Rather than accept responsibility, he is attempting to blame the constitutional arrangement for his shortcomings.”

The APC accused the governor of using the security situation in the state to advance what it described as a “mirage” presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the party, Makinde’s comments were insensitive, particularly at a time when families of abducted victims were anxiously awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.

The opposition party maintained that previous administrations in the state operated under the same constitutional framework without making similar complaints about security responsibilities.

It cited the administrations of former Governors Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala and the late Abiola Ajimobi, arguing that they deployed various initiatives to strengthen security and maintain public safety.

The APC particularly recalled the Security Trust Fund established during Ajimobi’s administration, which it said enhanced funding and collaboration among security stakeholders in the state.

“With his latest comments, Governor Makinde has again exposed the contradictions in his leadership. If he truly believes he lacks the capacity or authority to guarantee the security of residents, then the honourable thing to do is to resign and allow his deputy to complete the remaining period of the administration,” the party stated.

The APC also dismissed Makinde’s reported presidential aspiration, insisting that his performance on security issues had weakened any claim to higher national office.

“Certainly, Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival, but our greater concern is the hardship, losses and insecurity which residents may continue to face in the remaining period of his administration,” the statement added.

The party urged the governor to focus on governance and security rather than political ambitions, stressing that residents of Oyo State deserved effective leadership capable of addressing their immediate challenges.