Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the engagement was strictly to deliberate on governance-related matters and not driven by political considerations.
The visit took place against the backdrop of shifting political alliances and consultations by influential figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, Makinde, who arrived at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, at about 3:30 p.m., moved quickly to dispel any speculation of political motives while speaking with journalists after the meeting.
As a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, the governor stressed that President Tinubu occupies a national office that transcends party lines. According to him, discussions with the President were centred on issues affecting governance and national development.
“Well, the President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of the APC, and we’re talking about governance here,” Makinde said. “So I came to discuss with the President some governance issues, basically.”
‘I’m comfortable in PDP’
In recent weeks, several high-profile PDP members, including serving governors, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, leaving Makinde among a shrinking group of opposition governors. When asked whether he was considering a move to the APC, Makinde firmly ruled it out, reiterating his commitment to the PDP.
“No, I’m comfortable in the PDP and again, 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,” Makinde said.
He was also asked whether the meeting signified an improvement in his relationship with President Tinubu, particularly in light of some of his earlier public comments. Makinde dismissed any suggestion of tension, insisting that there had never been a breakdown in relations.
“No, no, there’s nothing I’ve said in the past that suggests we are not enjoying a harmonious relationship,” he said.
The governor emphasized that political differences should not overshadow the collective responsibility leaders owe the country. He noted that although he and the President belong to different political parties, national challenges require cooperation beyond partisan boundaries.
“Politics is politics. We belong to different political parties, but Nigeria is a project that all Nigerians must be concerned about, particularly the welfare of our people. What are the governance issues? Issues like insecurity and poverty alleviation.
“There are matters that have no party affiliation. As leaders, whether President or Governor of a state, these are issues we must work together on, consult with one another, and ensure we can make life a little better for our people,” Makinde said.
What you should know
Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to President Bola Tinubu comes at a time of heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with several opposition figures defecting to the ruling party.
Despite the political climate, Makinde insists his engagement with the President was centred on governance concerns such as insecurity and poverty alleviation.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP while advocating bipartisan cooperation on national issues, arguing that leadership responsibilities should rise above party affiliations in the interest of citizens’ welfare.
