The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the growing insecurity in the country, accusing the federal government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect Nigerians.
Adebayo made the remarks during a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde following the recent attacks and abductions in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the visit, the SDP chieftain said the increasing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across several states showed that the federal government had not done enough to tackle insecurity.
He stated that many communities across Nigeria were facing similar security challenges and expressed concern that citizens now live in fear due to repeated attacks by armed groups.
Adebayo alleged that President Tinubu had neglected his role as Commander-in-Chief, insisting that national security should take priority over political activities.
According to him, if the government could not secure states like Oyo, regarded as a major political and cultural centre in the South-West, then the country faced a serious national security crisis.
The SDP candidate also claimed that security resources were being used for political purposes instead of combating terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
While commending Governor Makinde’s efforts through local security initiatives such as Amotekun, Adebayo argued that state governments were being forced to spend scarce resources addressing problems that should primarily be handled by the federal government.
He further called on the President to either intensify efforts against terrorists and criminal groups or step aside for leaders capable of addressing the crisis effectively.
The visit followed recent attacks on schools and communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men abducted pupils, teachers, and other residents. The attacks also led to the killing of a teacher, worsening fears over insecurity in Oyo State.
Some abducted victims later appeared in distress videos from captivity, pleading with authorities, religious organisations, and the public to help secure their release.
The Oyo State Government has since announced intensified security measures around affected areas, including operations aimed at blocking escape routes used by the kidnappers.
