Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculation that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains firmly committed to his party despite its internal challenges.
Makinde spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the public presentation of a book titled “Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration” written by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed. The event was attended by political leaders and dignitaries across party lines.
Addressing the rumours directly, the governor said he had no intention of joining the APC or following any PDP governors who have crossed over to the ruling party. He stressed that his presence at the book launch should not be misinterpreted, stating clearly that he is not an APC member and has no plans to become one.
Makinde used the occasion to call for cooperation among political leaders, arguing that Nigeria’s progress depends on collaboration beyond party affiliations. He warned that excessive partisanship often undermines national development and distracts leaders from the collective interests of citizens.
The governor attributed growing divisions in the country to the ambitions of political elites, noting that ordinary Nigerians largely desire unity and peaceful coexistence. According to him, these aspirations are frequently exploited through religious, ethnic, and regional sentiments for political advantage.
He also criticised the “winner-takes-all” nature of Nigerian politics, describing it as exclusionary and harmful to national unity. Makinde urged political actors to deliberately build systems that encourage fairness, inclusion, and long-term stability.
His comments come amid ongoing leadership disputes within the PDP, which have intensified since the party lost power at the federal level. Internal disagreements over party control, zoning, and preparations for future elections have fuelled speculation about possible defections by prominent members.
Meanwhile, the APC has continued to attract high-profile defections from opposition parties, including governors and lawmakers, further strengthening its position at the national level and reshaping political calculations ahead of future elections.
