Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculation that he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress, insisting that he remains in the Peoples Democratic Party despite the opposition party’s ongoing leadership challenges.
Makinde stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of a book titled ‘Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration’, written by a former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
Addressing an audience made up of political leaders and other dignitaries from across party lines, the governor said he was not prepared to follow any PDP governors who have defected to the ruling party.
“I am here for this book launch. I am not an APC member and I am not about to port to APC,” Makinde said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s development would only be achieved through sincere collaboration among leaders, regardless of political affiliation, noting that partisan rivalry should not override the collective national interest.
The governor blamed the country’s growing divisions on the ambitions of political elites, arguing that such divisions do not reflect the wishes of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, most citizens desire unity and peaceful coexistence, but these aspirations are often exploited along religious, ethnic and regional lines for personal and political advantage.
Makinde also criticised the “winner-takes-all” approach to politics, saying it promotes exclusion and weakens national cohesion.
He called for intentional efforts to design political and governance structures that encourage fairness, inclusion and long-term stability.
Makinde’s comments come against the backdrop of internal disagreements and leadership disputes that have continued to trouble the PDP since its loss of power at the federal level.
The party has in recent months witnessed heightened tensions over control of its national structures, zoning arrangements and preparations for future elections, developments that have fuelled speculation about possible defections by some of its prominent members.
The APC, on its part, has recorded several high-profile defections from opposition parties, including governors and lawmakers, strengthening its dominance at the national level.
These movements have intensified political calculations across the country, particularly among opposition leaders weighing their political future ahead of forthcoming electoral contests.
About the Author
