The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign, citing growing insecurity concerns in Oyo following recent violent incidents that have heightened public anxiety and renewed criticism of the state’s security management efforts.
The opposition party’s demand followed a series of security incidents that have generated widespread debate about public safety across Oyo State. In recent months, residents, community leaders and political stakeholders have expressed worries over criminal activities in some parts of the state, including reports of kidnappings, attacks on communities and other security breaches.
While security agencies continue operations to combat crime, the incidents have increasingly become a subject of political contention between the APC and the Makinde administration. The latest dispute reflects broader national concerns about security and the responsibilities of state governments in supporting law enforcement agencies and protecting residents.
Addressing journalists, the Oyo APC said the rising insecurity concerns in Oyo pointed to what it described as a failure of leadership and inadequate response to threats facing residents. The party argued that repeated reports of criminal attacks had created fear among citizens and raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security strategies.
According to the opposition, residents in several communities now face uncertainty over their safety, while farmers, traders, transport operators and other business owners are increasingly worried about the impact of insecurity on their livelihoods. The APC maintained that government must be held accountable whenever lives and property are threatened, insisting that the current situation requires urgent and decisive action.
The party went beyond criticism and demanded Governor Makinde’s resignation, arguing that the scale of the insecurity concerns in Oyo warranted political accountability at the highest level. APC leaders stated that security is one of the primary responsibilities of government and that elected officials must accept responsibility when citizens feel unsafe.
They further argued that insecurity affects economic activities, discourages investment and undermines public confidence in governance. The opposition claimed that stronger intervention was needed to restore confidence among residents and reassure communities affected by security threats.
Although the APC has intensified its criticism, the Makinde administration has consistently maintained that it is working closely with security agencies to improve safety across the state. The government has previously highlighted collaborations with the police, military, Amotekun Corps and local security stakeholders as part of efforts to address criminal activities.
Officials have also pointed to ongoing security initiatives and investments aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response capabilities. However, the opposition insists that these measures have not sufficiently addressed the insecurity concerns in Oyo that continue to dominate public discussions.
The dispute is expected to further shape political conversations in Oyo State as parties begin positioning ahead of future elections. Security issues often become major indicators used by voters to assess government performance, making the current debate particularly significant. Analysts note that the continuing argument over insecurity concerns in Oyo could remain a key issue in the state’s political landscape if security incidents continue to attract public attention.
