The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has strongly criticised former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over his allegation that the recent bandit attack and abduction of pupils and teachers in parts of Oyo State may have been orchestrated by Governor Seyi Makinde as part of a political plot to embarrass President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The party described Fayose’s remarks as reckless, insensitive and politically dangerous, insisting that such comments trivialise the pain of victims and families affected by insecurity.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ado Ekiti, the South-West PDP Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, condemned the former governor’s comments and accused him of displaying hypocrisy and double standards on issues relating to insecurity and public accountability.
The statement, titled “Fayose’s Hypocrisy Exposed,” was made available to journalists amid growing reactions to the controversial comments credited to the former governor following the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers in some local government areas of Oyo State.
According to the PDP spokesman, it was unfortunate and irresponsible for a former governor to politicise a serious security crisis affecting innocent citizens.
“At a time when Nigerians are being killed, abducted and displaced by criminal elements across the country, it is both shameful and unfortunate that a former governor would seek to convert a national tragedy into a platform for political mischief,” the statement read.
The party maintained that Fayose’s allegation lacked evidence and could further inflame political tensions at a time when collective support and unity are needed to confront insecurity across the country.
Atofarati argued that security challenges should not be exploited for partisan attacks or political propaganda, especially when families are grieving and communities are traumatised by violent crimes.
The PDP spokesman also accused Fayose of inconsistency in his public positions on insecurity and governance, alleging that the former governor had often taken contradictory stances depending on prevailing political interests.
According to him, it was disturbing that Fayose would suggest that the Oyo State Government could orchestrate criminal attacks involving the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers merely to score political points against the presidency.
He stressed that such allegations not only undermine ongoing security efforts but could also create unnecessary suspicion and distract attention from the urgent task of rescuing victims and combating criminal elements.
The South-West PDP further stated that Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently demonstrated commitment toward addressing insecurity in Oyo State through support for security agencies, community policing initiatives and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The party said the governor’s administration has continued to prioritise the safety of residents and strengthen efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes within the state.
Atofarati urged political leaders and public figures to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public comments, particularly on matters involving national security and human suffering.
He warned that careless statements capable of spreading misinformation or undermining public confidence in security institutions could worsen tensions and hinder collective efforts to address insecurity.
The PDP spokesman also called on Nigerians to remain united in supporting lawful efforts by security agencies to rescue abducted victims and restore peace in affected communities.
Fayose had reportedly alleged that the recent kidnappings in parts of Oyo State were politically motivated and orchestrated to embarrass President Tinubu, a claim that has since generated criticism from political stakeholders and members of the public.
The abduction of pupils and teachers in parts of Oyo State has continued to attract national attention, with civil society organisations, political leaders and education stakeholders expressing concern over the rising wave of attacks targeting schools and vulnerable communities.
Security experts have repeatedly warned against politicising insecurity, noting that coordinated cooperation among governments, political actors, communities and security agencies remains essential in tackling violent crimes across the country.
The South-West PDP reiterated that national security should remain above partisan politics and called for greater focus on protecting lives, supporting victims and strengthening measures to combat criminality nationwide.
