The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over comments suggesting that his ability to address insecurity in the state is limited because security agencies are under federal control.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s spokesperson, Olawale Sadare, the opposition party accused the governor of attempting to deflect responsibility for the security challenges confronting the state.

The APC said Makinde’s position misrepresented the constitutional responsibilities of state governors and failed to acknowledge the role expected of state governments in coordinating security efforts and protecting residents.

The party described the governor’s remarks as evidence of poor leadership and argued that he should not use the structure of Nigeria’s security architecture as an excuse for the prevailing security situation in Oyo State.

According to the statement, the governor’s comments amounted to an effort to transfer blame for rising insecurity rather than demonstrating commitment to addressing the problem.

The opposition party also called on Makinde to step down from office, arguing that his administration had failed to provide effective leadership on security matters. It suggested that the deputy governor should complete the remainder of the administration’s tenure.

The APC further warned voters against supporting leaders it described as lacking the capacity to drive development and effectively manage public affairs.

The party’s reaction followed remarks reportedly made by Makinde in Ibadan on Saturday during his acceptance speech as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). During the event, the governor reportedly expressed frustration over the limitations state governors face in directing security agencies, particularly in responding to incidents such as kidnappings.

Makinde was quoted as saying that governors do not exercise full control over security institutions, a position the APC rejected, insisting that elected state leaders must still be held accountable for the safety and security of residents within their jurisdictions.