APM Backs Makinde, Says APC’s Reaction To UN Probe Call Raises Suspicion

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has defended its 2027 presidential candidate and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State, describing the reaction of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders as “suspicious.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party alleged that the strong opposition from senior APC officials, including ministers and senators, to Makinde’s call for an international probe raises questions about possible complicity in the incident.

The party argued that only those with something to hide would oppose efforts aimed at uncovering the truth.
“The outburst by APC leaders following Governor Makinde’s call for an international investigation raises suspicion of complicity in very high places. Only those troubled by guilt and afraid of investigation would become panicky and desperate to suppress the truth,” the statement said.

The APM maintained that Makinde’s request for international scrutiny was not an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty but rather a move to strengthen global cooperation against terrorism.

According to the party, the governor had made it clear that his request was intended to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence in the handling of the abduction.
It quoted Makinde as saying that the circumstances surrounding the incident were grave enough to warrant “independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions” and called on international human rights organisations and United Nations accountability mechanisms to examine the facts surrounding the abduction and its resolution.

The party stressed that seeking international support in combating terrorism was not unprecedented, noting that President Bola Tinubu had on several occasions appealed for global collaboration in tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

The APM recalled that Tinubu had used international platforms, including the United Nations General Assembly, to seek assistance in intelligence sharing, security cooperation and other anti-terrorism efforts.

It also referenced the President’s reported engagement with officials of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in June 2024, where he sought greater international collaboration in fighting crime and terrorism.

The party questioned why APC leaders were opposed to Makinde’s position if they had nothing to conceal.

“Nigerians now wonder why APC leaders, if indeed they have nothing to hide, have suddenly become agitated because Governor Makinde is demanding the truth, a demand that resonates with Nigerians of good conscience,” it stated.

The APM further alleged that concerns about reported links between politicians and bandits should be openly investigated, referring to previous claims by a former APC leader that political actors recruited foreign mercenaries ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The party said that rather than criticising Makinde, prominent APC leaders, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, should support efforts to establish the truth.

Reaffirming its support for Makinde, the APM said it stood firmly behind Makinde’s demand for an independent investigation, insisting that the security of Nigerians should take precedence over political considerations.

The party also commended security agencies for rescuing the abducted schoolchildren and praised the armed forces and other security personnel for their continued commitment to combating terrorism and protecting lives and property across the country.