ABUJA: Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed speculations about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting he remains committed to the opposition party.
Makinde spoke with journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday during his visit to the Presidential Villa. The governor responded to questions about his political future, saying, “No, no, no. I’m comfortable in the PDP.”
He further emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He said, “We may have issues in this country where you need a bipartisan approach. It won’t be about APC talking alone or PDP talking alone, but about putting the best foot forward in the interest of our nation. At that junction, you need everybody on board.”
President Bola Tinubu held separate meetings with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Presidential Villa.
The two governors arrived at the State House at different times: Mutfwang arrived first at about 3:00 pm, followed by Makinde at 3:30 pm.
The meetings come amid ongoing political realignments as stakeholders begin strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde, one of the few PDP governors who have resisted pressure to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is widely believed to be nursing a presidential ambition and positioning himself for the PDP’s 2027 ticket.
Mutfwang, however, recently defected from the PDP to the APC, joining a growing list of opposition figures who have crossed over to the ruling party.
Thursday’s visit marked his first known encounter with Tinubu since his defection.
