Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde rejects APC defection rumours, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and national unity amid political speculation
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed speculation that he intends to defect to the All Progressives Congress, insisting he remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party despite ongoing leadership disputes within the opposition.
Also read: APC blames Oyo’s Makinde, shields Tinubu over PDP woes
Makinde spoke at the public presentation of the book Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, authored by former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Addressing an audience of political leaders and dignitaries from across party lines, the governor said he would not follow PDP governors who have switched allegiance to the ruling party.
“I am here for this book launch. I am not an APC member and I am not about to port to the APC,” he stated.
Makinde stressed that Nigeria’s development requires sincere collaboration among leaders, regardless of political affiliation, noting that partisan rivalry should not undermine the national interest.
He attributed the country’s growing divisions to the ambitions of political elites, rather than the will of ordinary citizens, who desire unity and peaceful coexistence.
He criticised the “winner-takes-all” approach to politics, describing it as exclusionary and detrimental to national cohesion.
Makinde called for governance structures that encourage fairness, inclusion, and long-term stability.
The governor’s remarks come amid heightened tensions within the PDP, including leadership disputes, zoning disagreements, and preparations for future elections.
These dynamics have fuelled speculation about potential defections ahead of forthcoming contests, with the APC benefiting from several high-profile defections in recent months.
During the event, Mohammed said the book launch was deliberately scheduled on what would have been the 83rd birthday of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, shifting the original December 6 date to December 17 as a tribute.
Mohammed noted that the first chapter of the book is dedicated to Buhari and highlights key achievements and challenges during his tenure as president from 2015 to 2023.
The book, Mohammed explained, documents his work as Nigeria’s longest-serving Minister of Information and Culture, covering areas such as government communications, national orientation, culture, tourism, the $9.6bn P&ID case, and efforts to counter misinformation on Boko Haram and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.
Gen. Mohammed Marwa, described the book as a reference for students and a tool to inspire civil discourse.
Also read: Osun PDP Warns Oyo Governor Makinde Over Primaries
The launch was attended by notable figures including members of Buhari’s family, former Governor of Osun State Adebisi Akande, Mohammed’s successor Mohammed Idris, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
