A group supporting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accused the All Progressives Congress of demonstrating a lack of commitment to democratic accountability after the opposition party described the governor’s recent media chat as a “waste of time”.
The dispute followed a two-hour media engagement Makinde held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during which he answered questions on issues affecting the state.
The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, criticised the programme, arguing that the governor failed to address pressing concerns, including insecurity, public spending and infrastructure development.
Responding on Tuesday, the group argued that direct communication between elected leaders and citizens was essential to transparency and responsible governance.
It maintained that Makinde used the media chat to address security, infrastructure, financial management and local government administration, describing the engagement as part of his administration’s accountability process.
The position is similar to that of the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, who also defended the media engagement and criticised the APC’s reaction.
Group defends security measures
The group rejected the opposition’s criticism of the state government’s security efforts, saying the administration had introduced measures to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
It cited support for the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, expanded patrol capacity, improved communication systems, surveillance equipment and collaboration with federal security agencies.
The group also claimed that the measures had contributed to improved security compared with the situation before Makinde assumed office in 2019. However, it did not provide comparative crime statistics to support the claim.
The APC had questioned the government’s response to security incidents, including the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members from Oyo State who were kidnapped in Imo State and the reported abduction of three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria.
The opposition demanded explanations about the government’s response to the incidents and its plans to address insecurity.
Infrastructure and economic performance
On infrastructure, the group highlighted the Moniya–Iseyin Road, Ogbomoso–Iseyin Road and Ibadan Circular Road as projects expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and create economic opportunities.
It also cited the proposed upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standards as part of efforts to attract investment and improve international connectivity.
The group pointed to increased internally generated revenue, private-sector investments and infrastructure development as indicators of economic progress in the state.
However, the APC has questioned the administration’s management of public funds and criticised a reported plan to spend ₦21bn on the Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan.
The disagreement has further intensified the political exchange between the state government and the opposition over governance priorities.
Oyo’s democracy ranking
The group also cited Oyo State’s reported first-place position in the 2025 Democracy Performance Index published by Kimpact Development Initiative and reported by StatiSense.
Oyo scored 70 per cent in the assessment of democratic governance across Nigeria’s 36 states.
The group argued that the ranking reflected progress in public participation, institutional effectiveness and democratic inclusion.
It also pointed to town hall meetings, media engagements, empowerment programmes and the restoration of local government elections as evidence of the administration’s commitment to public participation.
The group dismissed the suggestion that Makinde’s media chat was politically motivated, insisting that the programme was part of the administration’s routine engagement with residents.
It urged political stakeholders to assess the government based on its policies, projects and measurable outcomes rather than partisan criticism.
The exchange comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum in Oyo State, with the performance of the Makinde administration increasingly featuring in political debates.
The group maintained that the government would continue pursuing its development agenda despite criticism from the opposition.
