Makinde guidelines out APC defection, pledges loyalty to PDP

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed hypothesis that he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress, insisting that he stays within the Peoples Democratic Party regardless of the opposition celebration’s ongoing management challenges.

Makinde spoke on Wednesday in Abuja in the course of the public presentation of a e book titled ‘Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Outlined an Administration’, written by a former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Addressing an viewers made up of political leaders and different dignitaries from throughout celebration traces, the Oyo governor stated he was not ready to observe any PDP governors who’ve defected to the ruling celebration.

“I’m right here for this e book launch. I’m not an APC member and I’m not about to port to the APC,” Makinde stated.

He harassed that Nigeria’s growth would solely be achieved by way of honest collaboration amongst leaders, no matter political affiliation, noting that partisan rivalry mustn’t override the collective nationwide curiosity.

The governor blamed the nation’s rising divisions on the ambitions of political elites, arguing that such divisions don’t replicate the desires of abnormal Nigerians.

In response to him, most residents want unity and peaceable coexistence, however these aspirations are sometimes exploited alongside spiritual, ethnic and regional traces for private and political benefit.

Makinde additionally criticised the “winner-takes-all” method to politics, saying it promotes exclusion and weakens nationwide cohesion.

He known as for intentional efforts to design political and governance buildings that encourage equity, inclusion and long-term stability.

Makinde’s feedback come in opposition to the backdrop of inner disagreements and management disputes which have continued to hassle the PDP since its lack of energy on the federal stage.

The celebration has in current months witnessed heightened tensions over management of its nationwide buildings, zoning preparations and preparations for future elections, developments which have fuelled hypothesis about doable defections by a few of its distinguished members.

The APC, on its half, has benefitted from a number of high-profile defections from opposition events, together with governors and lawmakers, strengthening its dominance on the nationwide stage.

These actions have intensified political calculations throughout the nation, significantly amongst opposition leaders weighing their political future forward of forthcoming electoral contests.

In the meantime, In his comment, the creator and former info minister stated the e book launch was intentionally scheduled to coincide with what would have been the 83rd birthday of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mohammed defined that the e book, initially set to be launched on his personal birthday, December 6, was moved to December 17 as a tribute to Buhari.

“Right now marks the primary posthumous birthday of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Had been he nonetheless with us, he would have been 83 years previous at present.

“In his honour, I made a decision to shift the date for the launch of this e book from December 6, which is my birthday, to December 17, his birthday. I took that call after I resumed writing the e book after recovering from the shock of his sudden departure from us on July 13, 2025.

“I started writing the e book in June 2025 and by no means imagined, even for a second, that President Buhari wouldn’t be with us at present. However right here we’re,” the ex-minister stated.

Mohammed devoted the primary chapter of the e book to Buhari.

 “Whenever you learn the e book, you’ll perceive why,” he stated, noting that the previous President had written the foreword to Mohammed’s first e book, ‘Witness to Historical past’, 13 years in the past.

The e book, Mohammed stated, paperwork his work as Nigeria’s longest-serving Minister of Information and Culture, masking areas resembling info administration, nationwide orientation, tradition, and tourism.

“This e book, due to this fact, is about correcting misconceptions, offering context and sharing firsthand accounts – accounts that historical past should not neglect,” he stated.

He additionally highlighted key matters coated within the e book, together with authorities communications throughout elections, the restoration of the Nationwide Theatre, the $9.6bn P&ID case, the biggest repatriation of stolen artefacts on the earth, and efforts to counter misinformation on Boko Haram and the Convey Again Our Women motion.

When requested whether or not the e book was meant to defend Buhari’s legacy, Mohammed replied, “The reality wants no defence.”

He emphasised that the administration’s communication technique can outline its legacy as a lot as its insurance policies, noting, “Headlines and soundbites typically linger in public reminiscence, typically greater than the actions themselves.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nationwide Drug Legislation Enforcement Company, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa, acknowledged, “This e book will function a reference for college students and is meant to encourage significant civil discourse.”

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, congratulated the previous minister on the launch of his e book, urging leaders to “enrich our historical past by documenting our views.”

The launch was attended by notable figures, together with representatives of late president Buhari’s household, Halima and Yusuf, former Governor of Osun State, Adebisi Akande, Mohammed’s successor within the ministry, Mohammed Idris, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, amongst others.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from Might 29, 2015, to Might 29, 2023. His administration was marked by main social and political actions, together with the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which drew nationwide and worldwide consideration to police brutality and governance challenges.

Mohammed served as Minister of Information and Culture for everything of Buhari’s two phrases, giving him a perspective on the administration’s choices, challenges, and legacy.