Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has categorically dismissed circulating rumours that he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor spoke out against the speculation during the public launch of Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration in Abuja, a book authored by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
Addressing a distinguished audience of political figures and stakeholders, Makinde made it clear that he has no intention of abandoning his party, despite the wave of defections by some prominent opposition governors to the ruling party.
He stated emphatically that he is not an APC member and has no plans to join the party, reinforcing his loyalty to the PDP. Makinde used the occasion to call for genuine national unity and cooperation across political lines. He stressed that Nigeria’s progress hinges on collaborative leadership, warning that divisive politics driven by partisan elite interests only serve to deepen societal fractures.
According to him, most Nigerians seek peaceful coexistence and national cohesion, aspirations that are often undermined by political maneuverings. The governor also criticised the “winner-takes-all” approach to politics, arguing that it promotes exclusion rather than inclusion, and urged political leaders to prioritise governance structures that foster fairness, stability, and long-term development for the country.
Makinde’s remarks come amid heightened internal tensions within the PDP following its loss of power at the federal level, which has fuelled speculation about potential further defections by key figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
