Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has publicly dismissed talks suggesting he’s planning to depart the Peoples Democratic Celebration (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made his place clear after a closed-door assembly with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
The governor addressed the problem on Thursday whereas interacting with journalists on the Presidential Villa.
His go to instantly sparked defection rumours, particularly as Nigeria’s political area begins to heat up forward of the 2027 normal elections.
In a televised clip monitored by POLITICS NIGERIA, Makinde was requested instantly if he was contemplating a transfer away from the PDP. He responded firmly, saying, “No, no, no. I’m snug within the PDP.”
Makinde defined that conferences throughout get together strains shouldn’t be misinterpreted as plans to defect. He famous that nationwide points generally demand cooperation past get together boundaries.
Based on him, “And once more, we could have points on this nation the place you want a bipartisan method. The place it received’t be a difficulty of perhaps APC speaking alone or PDP speaking alone, the place we must have a look at what’s the finest foot ahead, within the curiosity of our nation.
“So whenever you get to that junction, you want everyone on board.”
The governor’s feedback got here shortly after he met President Tinubu on the State Home. The go to had triggered widespread hypothesis, with many linking it to potential political realignments.
On the identical day, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang additionally visited the Presidential Villa. The 2 governors arrived individually, with Mutfwang arriving earlier within the afternoon. Their conferences shaped a part of ongoing consultations involving key political actors throughout the nation.
Makinde is presently serving his second time period as governor of Oyo State. He stays one of many outstanding figures nonetheless holding the PDP construction within the South-West, at a time when the opposition get together is battling inside disagreements and dropping members to the ruling APC.
His political relevance has continued to draw consideration, notably amid talks that he could also be concerned with taking part in a much bigger position on the nationwide stage in 2027. Whereas he has not made any formal declaration, his actions and affect inside the PDP are intently watched.
Nevertheless, Makinde insisted that dialogue with leaders from different events shouldn’t be twisted into defection narratives. He maintained that his focus stays governance and nationwide stability.