Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculations linking his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu with possible political realignment, insisting that the meeting was strictly focused on governance matters.
Governor Makinde met with the President at the Aso Rock Villa on Thursday afternoon, a development that attracted attention amid ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 3:30 p.m. and later addressed journalists on the outcome of the engagement.
According to Makinde, the discussions had nothing to do with party politics.
He also stressed that President Tinubu, though elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), occupies an office that serves all Nigerians.
“The President is the President of Nigeria, not of any political party,” the governor said, adding that their conversation centred on governance challenges confronting the country.
Makinde, a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), acknowledged the recent wave of defections by some PDP leaders to the ruling APC.
However, he firmly ruled out any intention to leave his party, stating that he remains comfortable within the PDP.
He further noted that Nigeria’s complex challenges often require cooperation across party lines, especially on issues that affect citizens directly.
According to him, effective governance sometimes demands bipartisan engagement rather than rigid political divisions.
The governor also rejected suggestions of strained relations with President Tinubu, clarifying that he has never portrayed their relationship as hostile.
He maintained that political differences should not hinder collaboration in addressing national problems.
Makinde identified insecurity, poverty reduction and citizens’ welfare as critical areas that demand collective effort from leaders at all levels, regardless of party affiliation.
He emphasised that such issues are not partisan and require continuous consultation between the federal and state governments.
“Politics aside, Nigeria is a shared responsibility,” he said, adding that leaders must work together to improve the living conditions of the people.
The meeting, he noted reflected the need for dialogue and cooperation in tackling governance challenges facing the country.
