Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has addressed rumors about a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), after recent moves by some opposition governors to join 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 firmly stated, “I am not APC, and I am not about to become APC.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges on genuine collaboration among leaders across political divides to move the country forward.
Governor Makinde pointed out that Nigeria’s growing divisions are largely driven by the ambitions of political elites rather than the wishes of ordinary citizens.
He noted that while most Nigerians desire unity and peaceful coexistence, politicians often manipulate them along religious, ethnic, and regional lines to serve personal interests.
Makinde warned against the “winner-takes-all” political approach, which fosters exclusion and undermines national cohesion.
He stressed the need for political elites to reach consensus on prioritizing good governance and addressing current national challenges, rather than reviving old political rivalries.
Drawing from his own experience, Makinde highlighted that political success depends on divine timing, recalling that both he and former President Muhammadu Buhari faced electoral setbacks before eventually attaining office.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, he observed that early leaders focused on uniting a post-war nation, while today’s challenges require fresh solutions.
The governor called for deliberate efforts to build political and governance systems that promote fairness, inclusion, and stability for the country’s future.
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