The Oyo State Government has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its reaction to Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent media chat, describing the party’s dismissal of the engagement as a “waste of time” as an indication of its disregard for democratic accountability.
The government said the APC’s criticism was misplaced, arguing that direct engagement between an elected leader and the citizens was a fundamental feature of democracy and responsible governance.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated this in a press release issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in response to the APC’s assessment of the governor’s media interaction.
Olanrewaju said Makinde used the media chat to address major issues affecting the state, including security, infrastructure development, financial management and local government administration.
He argued that the governor’s willingness to answer questions and explain his administration’s policies demonstrated transparency and accountability, adding that such engagement should be encouraged rather than condemned.
The media aide also cited what he described as Oyo State’s recent national recognition for democratic governance, saying the achievement reflected an administration committed to listening to citizens and remaining accessible to the public.
On security, Olanrewaju dismissed the APC’s criticism, maintaining that the Makinde administration had taken proactive measures to strengthen security across the state.
He listed the strengthening of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, expanded patrol capacity, improved communication systems, the acquisition of surveillance aircraft and collaboration with federal security agencies as part of the government’s efforts.
According to him, these measures have contributed to a reduction in major crime indices compared with levels before Makinde assumed office in 2019.
On economic development, the governor’s aide described the APC’s allegation that the state lacked a clear economic direction as unfounded.
He said Oyo State had recorded growth in internally generated revenue, attracted private investments in agribusiness and other sectors, and pursued major infrastructure projects aimed at expanding economic opportunities.
Among the projects he highlighted were the Moniya–Iseyin Road, Ogbomoso–Iseyin Road and the Ibadan Circular Road, which he said were opening new economic corridors and improving connectivity across the state.
Olanrewaju also pointed to the proposed upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standards as part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen the state’s economic position and international connections.
He further rejected the APC’s claim that the governor was disconnected from the grassroots, citing town hall meetings, media engagements, empowerment programmes and the restoration of local government elections as evidence of public participation under the administration.
The media aide maintained that the governor’s media chat was part of a routine accountability mechanism intended to keep residents informed about government policies, projects and decisions, rather than a politically motivated exercise.
He described Oyo State’s reported national rankings in liveability and democratic governance as independent validations of the administration’s performance, pointing to its activities in security, infrastructure, education, economic development and democratic reforms.
Olanrewaju urged the opposition party to recognise the administration’s achievements, insisting that political criticism should not undermine efforts to inform citizens about government activities.
“Leadership is measured by impact, not noise,” he said, maintaining that the Makinde administration remained focused on delivering development to the people of Oyo State.
The statement came amid a political exchange between the state government and the APC over the governor’s recent media chat and the performance of his administration.
