Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has firmly dismissed speculation suggesting he may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), amid recent political realignments involving some opposition governors.
Makinde addressed the rumours on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at the public launch of Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, a book written by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed. His comments came against the backdrop of heightened political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Declaring his position unequivocally, the governor said, “I am not APC, and I am not about to become APC,” drawing applause from sections of the audience. He made it clear that he remains committed to his current political platform and has no intention of joining the ruling party.
Beyond addressing the defection speculation, Makinde used the occasion to speak broadly on the state of the nation, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on sincere collaboration among leaders across political divides. According to him, the country’s challenges cannot be solved through partisan rivalry but through collective responsibility and purposeful leadership.
The Oyo governor argued that Nigeria’s growing divisions are largely driven by the ambitions of the political elite rather than the wishes of ordinary citizens. He noted that most Nigerians desire unity, peace and economic stability, but are often manipulated along religious, ethnic and regional lines by politicians pursuing personal or sectional interests.
Makinde cautioned against what he described as the “winner-takes-all” mentality in Nigerian politics, warning that such an approach encourages exclusion, deepens mistrust and weakens national cohesion. He emphasised that governance should be inclusive and focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people, regardless of political affiliation.
He further called on the political elite to reach a consensus centred on good governance and addressing pressing national challenges, rather than recycling old rivalries and political grudges. According to him, leadership must be guided by a shared commitment to fairness, equity and national development.
Drawing from personal experience, Makinde reflected on the role of patience and divine timing in political success. He recalled that both he and former President Muhammadu Buhari faced electoral defeats before eventually attaining office, describing those experiences as lessons in perseverance and humility.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, the governor observed that earlier leaders were primarily concerned with uniting a nation emerging from war, while contemporary leaders face different challenges that require innovative and forward-looking solutions.
Makinde concluded by calling for deliberate efforts to build political and governance systems that promote inclusion, stability and justice, insisting that Nigeria’s future depends on leadership that puts the collective good above individual ambition.
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