OYO State Governor Seyi Makinde has firmly dismissed widespread speculation about his potential defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his continued commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor made the clarification on Thursday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Meeting Sparks Speculation
The visit to the Presidential Villa had fueled rumors of an impending political switch, especially following recent high-profile defections of PDP governors to the APC. When questioned by reporters on whether he intended to join the ruling party, Makinde responded unequivocally:
“I am comfortable in the PDP.”
A Call for Bipartisan Governance
Beyond clarifying his party allegiance, Governor Makinde highlighted the importance of cross-party collaboration in addressing national challenges.
“There are moments in a country’s life when a bipartisan approach is required — not an APC-only or PDP-only conversation — but a collective effort focused on what is best for Nigeria,” he stated.
This sentiment echoes his recent political posture, which has often emphasized governance over partisan politics, especially in matters of security and economic policy.
Political Context
Makinde, now in his second term, is widely viewed as a influential figure in the PDP and a key stakeholder in the party’s South-West structure. His meeting with President Tinubu is believed to have centered on issues of state development and federal support, particularly regarding infrastructure and security in Oyo State.
Analysts note that such consultations between opposition governors and the president are not uncommon, though they often attract political interpretations in Nigeria’s charged climate.
The governor’s statement is likely to reassure his political base and stabilize the PDP’s ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections. It also reinforces his image as a leader willing to engage across party lines for developmental purposes, without compromising his political platform.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Makinde’s stance may set a tone for how opposition governors interact with the federal government in the coming years.
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