Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed reports suggesting he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. Speaking after the closed-door meeting, Makinde made it clear that he remains comfortable in the PDP despite the wave of defections affecting the opposition party.
The governor explained that his discussion with the President centred on governance matters affecting Nigeria as a whole. According to him, engaging with the President does not mean abandoning his political party, as national development requires leaders to work together across party lines.
Makinde said cooperation between political actors is sometimes necessary, especially on issues such as security, poverty, and the welfare of citizens. He maintained that working with the Federal Government on national concerns does not conflict with his role as a PDP governor.
He also noted that maintaining an opposition party is important for Nigeria’s democratic system, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. He added that politics should not prevent leaders from seeking solutions to common problems affecting Nigerians.
His comments come at a time when the PDP has lost several high-profile members to the ruling All Progressives Congress and other parties. Since 2025, governors and senior party figures from states such as Delta, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, and Osun have left the PDP, reducing the party’s control to only a few states.
Makinde has previously disagreed openly with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike over political strategy and relations with the APC-led Federal Government. While Wike now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he has continued to identify as a PDP member, despite supporting President Tinubu.
The Oyo governor has also stated in the past that he regrets supporting Tinubu during the 2023 election and has ruled out backing the President in 2027. He said his decision is based on concerns about the future of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
Makinde’s visit to the President also followed public discussions around Federal Government relief funds released after the 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan. He clarified that although ₦50 billion was promised, ₦30 billion was received and used for victim support, reconstruction work, and security improvements.
Despite political tension and speculation about his future plans, Makinde insists that his loyalty remains with the PDP and that his engagement with the President is strictly for governance and the national interest.
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