Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed widespread speculation about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he remains firmly rooted in the opposition party.
Makinde spoke to journalists on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. In a video released by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the governor addressed questions surrounding his political future and the motive behind his visit.
“No, no, no. I am comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde stated emphatically.
He further explained that the current political climate in Nigeria requires cooperation across party lines, stressing the importance of a bipartisan approach in tackling national challenges.
“There are moments when we need to rise above party lines in the interest of the nation. Sometimes, it shouldn’t be APC alone or PDP alone. We must come together and consider what is best for Nigeria. At such points, everyone needs to be on board,” he said.
Makinde’s visit followed separate meetings between President Tinubu and two opposition governors — himself and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang — at the State House. The two governors arrived independently, with Mutfwang arriving around 3:00 pm, while Makinde followed shortly after at about 3:30 pm.
The high-profile engagements come amid intense political realignments and strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde remains one of the few governors still in the PDP, even as a wave of defections continues to deplete the party’s ranks. He is also widely believed to be nurturing presidential ambitions, positioning himself for a potential bid for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang, who recently defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), met President Tinubu for the first time since his defection, further fueling speculation about shifting political alliances.
Despite mounting rumors, Makinde insisted that his meeting with the President was purely in the national interest and not a prelude to a party switch.
The governor’s comments appear aimed at calming political tension and reassuring his supporters as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensify.
