What Makinde said after meeting with Tinubu at Aso Rock

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Oyo governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that he will not join the ongoing exodus to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by some elected politicians in the country.

Makinde spoke after he met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock president villa on Thursday.

The Oyo state governor affirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party on which platform he was elected to office in response to question by reporters.

Makinde spoke on Thursday after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

He told the journalists that he is comfortable in the opposition party, but acknowledged that addressing Nigeria’s challenges requires bipartisan cooperation and contributions from all political parties.

“I am comfortable in the PDP. There are moments in a country’s life when a bipartisan approach is required — not an APC-only or PDP-only conversation — but a collective effort focused on what is best for Nigeria.

“When we get to that point, we will need everyone on board,” Makinde said.

Makinde, had earlier indicated that he would not support President Tinubu in the 2027 election.

This is in contrast to the 2023 election when as member of Nyesom Wike led G5, he supported the election of Tinubu on the platform of APC, though he is a member of PDP.

But Makinde said he will not support Tinubu in 2027 for the sake of survival of Nigeria’s democracy.

The President had met with Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau before Makinde arrival at the presidential villa.

The meetings come amid ongoing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mutfwang who recently defected to the APC from the PDP platform on which he was elected did not speak with journalists after his meeting.