Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has firmly dismissed speculation that he plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor made this clear on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of a book titled “Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration,” authored by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
Addressing an audience that included political leaders from different parties, Makinde said his presence at the event should not be misinterpreted.
“I am here for this book launch. I am not an APC member, and I am not about to move to the APC,” he stated.
Makinde acknowledged the internal challenges facing the PDP, which have led to the recent defection of some governors and lawmakers. However, he stressed that his political stance remains unchanged.
The governor also used the opportunity to call for greater cooperation among Nigeria’s political leaders, arguing that national development can only be achieved through sincere collaboration rather than bitter partisan rivalry.
According to him, many of the divisions in the country are driven by the personal ambitions of political elites and do not reflect the true desires of ordinary Nigerians, who yearn for unity and peaceful coexistence.
Makinde warned that these divisions are often exploited along ethnic, religious and regional lines for political gain, a trend he said continues to undermine national cohesion.
He further criticised the “winner-takes-all” nature of Nigerian politics, noting that it promotes exclusion and weakens the sense of belonging among citizens.
Recent defections from the PDP to the APC, attributed to internal party divisions, have fueled speculation about further exits, making Makinde’s clarification particularly significant.
