Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has ruled out any plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reaffirming his loyalty to the opposition party despite ongoing defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Makinde said he remains comfortable in the PDP and dismissed suggestions that his visit signalled a political realignment.
“The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of APC,” Makinde said, stressing that the meeting focused strictly on governance and national issues rather than party politics.
The governor explained that his engagement with the President was aimed at discussing matters of national interest, noting that collaboration across party lines is sometimes necessary to address critical challenges facing the country.
Makinde maintained that working with the federal government does not amount to abandoning PDP principles, adding that a strong opposition is vital for the health of Nigeria’s democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He further emphasized that issues such as national security, poverty reduction, and the welfare of citizens transcend party affiliations and require collective leadership.
Makinde’s comments come amid significant defections from the PDP, as several governors and prominent party figures have switched allegiance to the APC or other platforms in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
