Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that he remains comfortable within the opposition party despite recent defections by some of his political allies. His remarks followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, a visit that drew public attention amid shifting political alignments.
Makinde’s Position After Aso Villa Meeting
Governor Makinde met President Tinubu on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, shortly after Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who recently defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), also visited the president. The timing of the meetings fueled speculation about possible political realignments.
Addressing questions from journalists after the meeting, Makinde was unequivocal about his political stance. He said he was not considering a move to the APC and stressed that he remains firmly rooted in the PDP. “I am comfortable in the PDP,” the governor stated, seeking to put an end to rumours surrounding his political future.
Makinde’s clarification comes at a time when the PDP has experienced internal strains and defections, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
Call for Bipartisan Cooperation on National Issues
Beyond party politics, the Oyo State governor emphasised the importance of bipartisan collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. He argued that some national issues transcend party boundaries and require collective input from all political stakeholders.
According to Makinde, effective governance sometimes demands that political parties set aside rivalry in favour of solutions that advance national interest. He noted that there are moments when neither the APC nor the PDP can act alone without broader consensus.
His comments reflect a growing conversation among political leaders on the need for cooperation in areas such as economic reform, security, and national unity, especially amid complex socio-economic pressures.
Background: Makinde and the PDP G5 Influence
Makinde was a prominent member of the G5 group of PDP governors who opposed the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general election. The group argued that the PDP breached its informal zoning arrangement by fielding another northern candidate after eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The G5 maintained that power should rotate to the South to promote fairness and national cohesion. During the 2023 presidential election, Makinde and other members of the group openly worked against the PDP candidate and supported Tinubu, who eventually won the presidency.
Other members of the G5 included former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Despite that political episode, Makinde’s latest statement signals his intention to remain within the PDP while advocating broader cooperation across party lines
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