Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has debunked reports suggesting he may defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following speculation that some opposition governors are weighing a move to the ruling party.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the public launch of Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, a book by former Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, Makinde stated unequivocally: “I am not APC, and I am not about to become APC.”
The governor emphasized that Nigeria’s progress depends on genuine collaboration among leaders across political divides. He warned that the country’s growing divisions are largely driven by the ambitions of political elites rather than the will of ordinary citizens.
Makinde noted that while most Nigerians seek unity and peaceful coexistence, they are often manipulated along ethnic, religious, and regional lines by politicians pursuing personal interests.
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He criticised the “winner-takes-all” political approach, saying it fosters exclusion and undermines national cohesion.
Stressing the need for a new political consensus, Makinde urged leaders to prioritize good governance and address pressing national challenges instead of reigniting old rivalries.
Drawing on his own experience, he highlighted that political success often hinges on divine timing, recalling that both he and former President Muhammadu Buhari faced electoral setbacks before assuming office.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, Makinde contrasted the early post-war focus on national unity with today’s complex challenges, which require innovative solutions.
He called for deliberate efforts to build political and governance systems that promote fairness, inclusion, and stability.
