2027: ‘Ignore opposition tactics’, APC chieftain urges Tinubu to focus on governance

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged President Bola Tinubu not to be distracted by opposition tactics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oyintiloye said the President should instead focus on governance and tackle security threats identified by security agencies head-on.

The APC chieftain made the call while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, against the backdrop of recent security alerts over possible attacks on vulnerable locations, particularly in parts of southern Nigeria.

Oyintiloye said the President should urgently support security agencies to intensify surveillance, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property amid emerging security concerns.

He said security agencies should be reinforced through heightened vigilance, improved intelligence gathering and coordinated preventive action nationwide.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, also called on relevant security agencies to work closely together, share intelligence and strengthen surveillance and rapid-response mechanisms.

He particularly urged increased security around schools, places of worship, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) facilities, parks, garages and other vulnerable locations, especially with schools in session.

The APC chieftain also called for an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the recent killings in Osun.

He urged security agencies to identify all persons suspected to have participated in, sponsored or facilitated the violence.

Oyintiloye said anyone against whom sufficient evidence was established should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He appealed to all stakeholders, including transport workers, community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders, to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist investigations and prevent further violence.

Oyintiloye also called for stronger security intelligence through adequate training, equipment and resources to enable security agencies to forestall, prevent, detect and respond effectively to attacks by armed groups.

“If necessary, service chiefs should review and adjust their operational strategies without hesitation, as time is of the essence,” he added.

He also called on state governors to complement the President’s efforts by providing adequate support and resources to security agencies within their jurisdictions.

While acknowledging the President’s constitutional role as Chief Security Officer of the nation, Oyintiloye emphasised that governors and local government chairmen were closer to the grassroots and must take proactive measures to strengthen local intelligence and maintain peace.

He stressed that no nation could achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of insecurity, noting that economic growth, infrastructure development, investment and social services thrive only in a peaceful environment.

“A nation with a strong and effective security system is better positioned for accelerated development, economic prosperity and sustainable social services,” he said.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information, and continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country.

Oyintiloye expressed confidence in the professionalism, competence and dedication of Nigeria’s security personnel, noting that they possessed the capacity to flush out criminal elements and restore lasting peace.