What APM Presidential Candidate Seyi Makinde Said on Independence Day That Sparked Reactions
Governor insists true federalism cannot thrive while Abuja controls all powers, says state governors must have full authority to govern
Ibadan, October 1, 2026 — APM presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ignited a fresh national debate after using his Independence Day message to demand a radical restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system, declaring that “all power must not reside in Abuja” if true federalism is to survive.
In the address, which has since gone viral, Makinde argued that Nigeria currently operates a unitary system disguised as federalism, where states are reduced to waiting on monthly allocations from Abuja while governors are called “Chief Security Officers” without real control over security agencies.
“If we want true federalism, we must devolve powers. All power must not reside in Abuja. State governors must be given full power to govern,” Makinde said, in a message that has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Full text of President Bola Tinubu’s October 1, 2026 Independence Day Speech
He explained that a governor cannot effectively secure lives and property when he cannot direct the Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS, or military commanders without clearance from Abuja.
“I cannot give an instruction to the Commissioner of Police in the state. He will need to get approval from the Inspector-General of Police. I cannot give an instruction to the state director of security. He will need clearance from the Director-General of the DSS. The same applies to the military and other security agencies,” he said.
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Makinde insisted that no governor should bear responsibility for security outcomes without having the constitutional authority to act decisively.
He also pointed to his administration’s record in Oyo State, noting that dependence on federal allocation was reduced from over 80% in 2019 to 65% by 2022 before the fuel subsidy removal pushed it back up.
Under his “RESET Nigeria” agenda, Makinde is proposing:
· Decentralisation of security management to allow states to respond effectively.
· Reduction of states’ dependence on federal allocations.
· Devolution of powers from Abuja to the federating units.
· A clear definition of responsibilities, fiscal powers, and accountability at each level of government.
Reactions
Supporters of Makinde’s position say it is the necessary constitutional reform Nigeria needs to make governance more effective and responsive.
Critics, however, argue that governors already have enough constitutional powers and security votes to act, accusing Makinde of using federalism as an excuse for inaction. Some also accused him of hypocrisy, saying he demands devolution from Abuja while resisting local government autonomy within his own state.
Analysts say the debate has once again exposed the fault lines in Nigeria’s federal structure and renewed calls for constitutional amendment.
Makinde, however, remains firm: for true federalism to thrive, state governors must be given full power to govern.
Watch the full video of Makinde’s Independence Day address here:
