Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed rumours that he may defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that he remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the opposition party’s ongoing leadership struggles.
Makinde made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, a book authored by former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Speaking to a gathering of political leaders and dignitaries from across party lines, the governor made it clear that he would not follow in the footsteps of PDP governors who have switched allegiance to the ruling party.
“I am here for this book launch. I am not an APC member, and I have no intention of joining the APC,” Makinde stated.
The governor emphasised that Nigeria’s progress depends on genuine collaboration among leaders, regardless of party affiliation, and warned that partisan rivalry should never undermine national interests. He attributed the country’s growing divisions to the ambitions of political elites, noting that ordinary Nigerians largely desire unity and peaceful coexistence, but these aspirations are often exploited along religious, ethnic, and regional lines for political gain.
Makinde also criticised the “winner-takes-all” political mindset, describing it as a source of exclusion that weakens national cohesion. He urged the design of governance structures that promote fairness, inclusion, and long-term stability.
His statements come amid persistent internal tensions within the PDP over national leadership, zoning arrangements, and election preparations, which have fuelled speculation about potential defections. Meanwhile, the APC has strengthened its dominance through several high-profile defections of governors and lawmakers, intensifying political calculations across the country.
Book Launch in Honour of Buhari
The author, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the book launch was deliberately scheduled to coincide with what would have been the 83rd birthday of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Originally planned for Mohammed’s birthday on December 6, the event was shifted to December 17 as a tribute to Buhari.
“Today marks the first posthumous birthday of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He would have been 83 years old. I decided to move the book launch from my birthday to December 17 in his honour,” Mohammed said.
He explained that the first chapter of the book is dedicated to Buhari, who had written the foreword to Mohammed’s first book, Witness to History, thirteen years ago.\
The book highlights Mohammed’s tenure as Nigeria’s longest-serving Minister of Information and Culture, covering government communications, national orientation, culture, tourism, and other landmark initiatives. Key topics include election communication strategies, the restoration of the National Theatre, the $9.6 billion P&ID arbitration case, the largest repatriation of stolen artefacts globally, and efforts to counter misinformation on Boko Haram and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign.
When asked if the book aims to defend Buhari’s legacy, Mohammed responded, “The truth needs no defence,” emphasising that media and communication strategies can shape an administration’s legacy as much as its policies.
Support and Reflections
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa, described the book as a valuable reference for students and a tool to foster meaningful civil discourse.
Governor Makinde congratulated Mohammed, urging leaders to document history and share their perspectives. The launch was attended by notable figures, including representatives of Buhari’s family, former Osun State Governor Adebisi Akande, Mohammed’s successor in the ministry, Mohammed Idris, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Background
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, a period marked by significant social and political movements, including the #EndSARS protests of 2020, which spotlighted police brutality and governance issues. Mohammed served as Minister of Information and Culture throughout Buhari’s two terms, providing him with unique insights into the administration’s decisions, challenges, and legacy.
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Governance
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Nigerian Leadership
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Media & Communication
