Gov. Makinde speaks on leaving PDP

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has denied rumours that he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said clearly that he is still a member of the PDP and has no intention of joining the APC, even though the PDP is currently facing internal leadership problems.

Makinde spoke in Abuja during the launch of a book written by former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed. The event took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.

According to the governor, he is not one of the PDP governors planning to defect to the ruling party. He said, “I am not an APC member, and I am not about to join the APC.”

Makinde explained that Nigeria’s development depends on leaders working together across political parties. He said there must be agreement among political leaders on the future of the country.

He accused political leaders of causing divisions in Nigeria because of personal ambition. According to him, most ordinary Nigerians want peace, unity and to live together without conflict.

He said religious, ethnic and regional differences are often used by the political elite to gain power, even though these issues do not reflect the wishes of the people.

The governor also criticised the “winner-takes-all” style of politics, saying it encourages exclusion and weakens national unity. He called for a political system that promotes fairness, inclusion and stability.

Makinde added that Nigerians at the grassroots level already believe in national unity, but that political leaders are the ones creating divisions.

Explaining why he attended the book launch, he said the author brought together people from different backgrounds, making it a good opportunity to speak about unity.

He also recalled that Nigeria’s independence talks were based on federalism and a multi-party system because of the country’s many ethnic groups. However, he said the civil war later pushed Nigeria towards a more centralised system.

Makinde concluded by saying that Nigeria’s present challenges are different and require new ideas and fresh thinking.