No Rift With Tinubu, I’m Still PDP — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday dismissed speculations of a rift between him and President Bola Tinubu, stating that their relationship remains cordial and focused on governance rather than partisan politics.

Makinde made this known while speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He explained that the discussion centred on issues affecting national and subnational governance.

According to the governor, “The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of the APC, and we’re talking about governance here. I came to discuss with the President on some governance issues, basically.”

Responding to questions about whether the visit signalled a closer relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Makinde said political differences had never resulted in hostility or a breakdown in cooperation.

“There’s nothing I’ve said in the past to suggest that we are not enjoying a harmonious relationship. Politics is politics. We belong to different political parties, but Nigeria is a project that all Nigerians must be concerned about,” he said.

He identified insecurity, poverty alleviation and the general welfare of citizens as national challenges that cut across party lines, stressing the need for collaboration among leaders at all levels of government.

“These are issues that have no party colouration. As leaders—whether President or governor—we must work together, consult with one another, and ensure that life is made better for our people,” Makinde added.

Addressing speculation that he might defect to the APC following the recent movement of some opposition figures to the ruling party, the Oyo State governor firmly ruled out the possibility, reaffirming his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“No. I’m comfortable in the PDP,” he stated, while acknowledging that certain national challenges require bipartisan cooperation.

“There are times when you need everybody on board to take the best step forward in the interest of our nation,” Makinde concluded.