Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dispelling rumors of a potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Makinde addressed speculation surrounding his party allegiance, stating that he remains “comfortable” in the PDP.
The governor’s comments came in response to questions about reported defections of PDP governors and leaders to the APC. Makinde emphasized that his loyalty to the PDP is unwavering, while also acknowledging the importance of bipartisan cooperation on issues of national interest. “We may have issues in this country where a bipartisan approach is required,” he noted, stressing the need for collaboration across party lines to advance the nation’s best interests.
Makinde’s meeting with President Tinubu took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he arrived shortly after Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC. The encounter has sparked interest in the potential for increased dialogue between the two parties, particularly on matters of national significance.
The governor’s reassurance of his commitment to the PDP comes amid a period of political realignments in Nigeria, with several high-profile defections in recent times. Makinde’s stance suggests that, while he is open to cooperation with the APC on key issues, his political base remains firmly rooted in the PDP.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, Makinde’s comments underscore the importance of bipartisan engagement in addressing the nation’s challenges. With the PDP and APC being the two dominant parties in the country, collaboration between them is likely to be crucial in driving progress on key issues. As such, Makinde’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the APC, while maintaining his party allegiance, may be seen as a positive step towards fostering greater cooperation and advancing the nation’s interests.