Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the federal government to fast-track the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and tackle rising criminal activities across the country.
Makinde made the call on Thursday during the governorship and legislative primary elections of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), held at the Watershed Event Centre along Old Ife Road in Ibadan.
The governor urged the federal government to work closely with state houses of assembly to speed up the legislative process required for the creation of state police, stressing that decentralised policing would significantly improve intelligence gathering and response to security threats at the grassroots level.
According to him, state police would empower sub-national governments to address security challenges more effectively within their jurisdictions.
Makinde also reassured families of the abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State that efforts were ongoing to secure their safe return.
He stated that security had remained one of the cardinal pillars of his administration since assuming office and assured residents that his government would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property.
The governor appreciated the residents of Oyo State for their support over the past seven years, noting that the cooperation of the people had contributed greatly to the achievements recorded by his administration.
Makinde subsequently appealed to the electorate to extend similar support to the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Hon. ‘Bimbo Adekanmbi, during the 2027 general elections.
He advised Adekanmbi to focus on building his own political identity and relationships, adding that leadership should be anchored on vision, service, unity and development rather than division and resentment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Chairman of the APM, Adegbenro Fagbemi, expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Peoples Democratic Party and the APM would produce positive political outcomes for Oyo State and the country at large.
During the event, Adekanmbi, alongside candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and Oyo State House of Assembly, were presented to party members and ratified as consensus candidates.
Presenting certificates of return to the candidates, Fagbemi described Adekanmbi as a bridge-builder capable of sustaining the developmental strides of the Makinde administration while deepening good governance in the state.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. ‘Bimbo Adekanmbi pledged to continue the “Omituntun” development agenda introduced by the current administration.
He assured residents that his administration would sustain development projects across all parts of the state while giving priority attention to security and public safety.
Adekanmbi also appealed for unity among party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, insisting that the collective interest of Oyo State must supersede personal ambitions and political differences.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for his support, political partnership and contributions to the growth and democratic development of Oyo State.
Several prominent personalities delivered goodwill messages at the event, including Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr. Saka Balogun; Iba Oluyole, Oloye Nureni Akanbi; and Chief Eniade Elejire, all of whom urged residents to support APM candidates in the 2027 elections.
Dignitaries present at the gathering included Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; Chairman of All Chairmen in Oyo State, Sikiru Sanda; commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen and party leaders.
