Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has argued that Nigerian governors lack the constitutional authority to issue operational commands to security agencies, despite being officially labeled the chief security officers of their states. Speaking after a meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Makinde explained that he cannot directly instruct the state’s Commissioner of Police, the DSS, or military commanders without clearance from their respective national headquarters. He contended that this disconnect between responsibility and authority is a primary reason why state policing is necessary. Furthermore, Makinde criticized the tendency to hold governors solely accountable for security failures, noting the contrast in public reactions between the Chibok abductions during the Jonathan administration and recent incidents in Oyo. He promised that an APM presidency would ensure that governors are granted the authority required to match their security responsibilities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a visit to Bauchi State, APM presidential candidate Seyi Makinde highlighted the limitations governors face regarding national security, stating they cannot direct the police, DSS, or military without federal approval. While acknowledging that governors can impose curfews, he noted that such actions must be balanced against economic realities. Addressing security challenges in Oyo, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren, Makinde called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture to better align institutional authority with the duties expected of state leaders. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who hosted the meeting, praised the collaboration and expressed his belief that the APM is strengthening its position as a major opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Option 3: Formal/Policy-Oriented

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has formally challenged the current security framework in Nigeria, asserting that state governors are effectively powerless to direct federal security formations. During his discussions in Bauchi, the APM flag bearer emphasized that without federal clearance, governors cannot exercise operational control over the police, DSS, or military. Makinde advocated for a structural review of the nation’s security architecture, asserting that the current system unfairly places the burden of security on governors who lack the corresponding power to act. Regarding the upcoming 2027 election, Makinde stated that consultations for his running mate are still ongoing, while Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized the importance of such peer-review meetings in enhancing governance and positioning the APM as a robust political platform.