Makinde dismisses APC defection rumors, meets Tinubu

Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has dismissed growing speculation regarding a potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his steadfast commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Governor addressed reporters on Thursday following a high-profile meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

When asked directly if he intended to follow the lead of several colleagues by joining the ruling party, Makinde clarified his stance.

“I am comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde stated. “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. When we get to that point, we will need everyone on board.”

This clarification comes amid a significant wave of defections that has weakened the PDP’s influence at the state level.

Currently, the main opposition party retains control in only four states, led by Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Makinde himself.

Despite his recent engagement with the President, Makinde has been vocal about his political independence.

He recently declared he would not support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing concerns over the long-term survival of Nigerian democracy.

Furthermore, Makinde touched upon his ongoing rift with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He alleged that the former Rivers State Governor had vowed to hold the PDP in favor of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections without consulting other party stakeholders.

Makinde’s history of party defiance is well-documented; during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, he was a prominent member of the G5 governors who famously withdrew their support for the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.