Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed defection rumours, saying he remains comfortable in the PDP despite political realignments ahead of 2027
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculations that he may defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that he remains comfortable in the opposition party.
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Makinde spoke with journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday during a visit to the Presidential Villa. In a video aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the governor responded directly to questions about his political future.
“No, no, no. I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde said.
He added that Nigeria’s current challenges may require bipartisan engagement in the national interest. “We may have issues in this country where you need a bipartisan approach.
Where it won’t be an issue of maybe APC talking alone or PDP talking alone, where we will have to look at what is the best foot forward, in the interest of our nation.
So when you get to that junction, you need everybody on board,” he said.
Makinde’s comments followed reports that President Bola Tinubu held separate meetings with him and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Presidential Villa.
The two governors reportedly arrived separately, with Mutfwang arriving around 3:00 pm and Makinde about 30 minutes later.
The meetings have fuelled political speculation amid ongoing realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde remains one of the few governors still in the PDP following a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Oyo governor is also widely believed to be harbouring presidential ambitions and is seen as positioning himself ahead of the PDP’s 2027 presidential primaries.
Mutfwang, who recently defected to the APC, is said to be among several opposition figures who have crossed over to the ruling party.
Also read: Makinde inaugurates Oyo Obas Council in unity push
Thursday’s visit marked his first publicly known meeting with President Tinubu since his defection.
