Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday visited President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, clarifying that the meeting was centred on governance issues and not political realignment.

The visit, coming amid intensified political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, triggered speculation due to recent defections of opposition figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Makinde firmly dismissed any political undertone.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the governor said his discussion with the President focused on national challenges rather than party politics.

“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.”

Makinde, a key leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressed that despite recent defections by some PDP figures, he remains committed to his party.

Asked if he was considering a move to the APC, the governor responded:
“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.”

He added that some national challenges demand collective action across party lines.
“So when you get to that junction, you need everybody on board,” he said.

Addressing questions about his relationship with President Tinubu, Makinde dismissed suggestions of any tension between them.
“No, no, there’s nothing I’ve said in the past that suggests we are not enjoying a harmonious relationship,” he stated.

The governor emphasised that political differences should not hinder national development, describing Nigeria as a shared responsibility beyond party affiliation.

“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,” Makinde said.

He identified insecurity and poverty alleviation as critical governance issues requiring cooperation between federal and state governments.

“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,” he added.