Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he has no plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the engagement was centred on governance rather than party politics.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting at the State House in Abuja, Makinde said his visit was motivated by national interest and the need for bipartisan dialogue on key governance issues.
“No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde said.
“The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of APC. We’re talking about governance here.”
Makinde Emphasises Bipartisan Governance
The governor said that working with the federal government on matters affecting citizens does not undermine opposition politics, stressing that leaders have a responsibility to cooperate where national challenges require collective action.
“We may have issues where you need a bipartisan approach. At that junction, you need everybody on board,” he said.
Makinde added that maintaining a strong opposition remains critical to Nigeria’s democratic health, particularly as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
“Nigeria is a project that all Nigerians must be concerned about. Welfare, security and poverty have no party colouration,” he said.
Context of PDP Defections
Makinde’s comments come amid a wave of defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, with several governors and senior party figures switching platforms since 2025.
The Oyo governor has previously criticised what he described as attempts to weaken the opposition, insisting that he will independently decide his political alignment and role ahead of 2027.
“Wike can support whoever he wants. It is equally my right to decide who I will support and what role I will play,” Makinde has said previously.
Despite recent tensions within the PDP, Makinde said his party loyalty remains intact, even as he continues to engage the federal government on issues of national importance.
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