No Rift With Tinubu, I’m Comfortable in PDP – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculations of a rift between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that his relationship with the President remains cordial and focused on governance rather than partisan politics.

Makinde spoke to State House correspondents on Thursday after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he said discussions centred on issues of national and subnational governance.

According to the governor, the visit was purely governance-driven and had nothing to do with political realignment.

“The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of the APC, and we’re talking about governance here. I came to discuss some governance issues, basically,” Makinde said.

Responding to questions on whether the visit signalled a warming relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Makinde stated that political differences had never translated into hostility or a breakdown in cooperation.

“There’s nothing I’ve said in the past that suggests we are not enjoying a harmonious relationship. Politics is politics. We belong to different political parties, but Nigeria is a project that all Nigerians must be concerned about,” he added.

Makinde further identified insecurity, poverty alleviation and citizens’ welfare as national issues that transcend party lines, stressing the need for collaboration among leaders at all levels of government.

“These are issues that have no party colouration. As leaders, whether President or governor, we must work together, consult one another, and ensure that life becomes better for our people,” he said.

The governor also dismissed speculations that he may defect to the APC following the recent movement of some opposition figures to the ruling party.

“No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde said, while noting that national challenges require bipartisan cooperation.

OYO NEWS