Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has publicly and firmly denied widespread speculation about his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor addressed the rumours head-on, putting to rest claims that had gained momentum following recent high-profile defections by some opposition governors.
Makinde's Clear Stance on Party Affiliation
Governor Makinde made his position unequivocally clear on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, during a public event in Abuja. The occasion was the presentation of a book titled Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, authored by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
Directly confronting the swirling rumours, Makinde declared, "I am not APC, and I remain a member of the PDP." This statement served as a definitive rebuttal to the speculation that he was planning to switch parties, a move that would have significant repercussions in the South-West political landscape.
A Call for National Unity Over Partisan Politics
Beyond clarifying his party status, Governor Makinde used the platform to comment on the broader state of Nigerian politics. He expressed concern that the country's growing political divisions are often engineered by elite interests rather than reflecting the true desires of ordinary citizens.
According to him, most Nigerians yearn for unity and peaceful coexistence but are frequently manipulated along ethnic, religious, and regional lines by political actors pursuing personal ambitions. He warned against a "winner-takes-all" approach to governance, stating that it fosters exclusion and weakens national cohesion.
"Collaboration across party lines matters more than party switching," Makinde asserted, emphasising that political alignment should not overshadow the collective responsibility of leaders to work together for Nigeria's progress.
Reflections on Political Journey and Future Ambitions
Reflecting on his own political path, the Oyo governor noted that electoral success often depends on divine timing. He recalled that both he and former President Muhammadu Buhari lost elections before eventually attaining their offices years later.
Makinde also touched on the nation's need for deliberate political and governance reforms focused on fairness, stability, and long-term development. He argued that Nigeria's current challenges are distinct from those faced by the nation's founding fathers and require a new elite consensus centred on governance and inclusion.
While the governor has previously expressed confidence in his competence to be Nigeria's president, he indicated that his immediate focus is on the PDP's internal cohesion. He stated that if the governorship seat, which he will vacate in 2027, marks the end of his political career, he is content with that.
This strong denial from Makinde comes amid a period of significant political realignment and speculation about opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
