By Peace Udugba
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed reports claiming he has concluded plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amid growing uncertainty within the party.
Speculation about Makinde’s alleged exit intensified following reports that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had defected from the PDP to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Mohammed reportedly announced his decision after consultations with political stakeholders, citing the Supreme Court judgment on the PDP leadership crisis as a major factor influencing his move.
Sources within the PDP in the South-West, including a party leader said to be close to Makinde, suggested that the Oyo governor could leave the party “any moment from now,” although his next political platform remains unclear.
“I am aware the governor will leave the PDP any moment from now, but I don’t know the party he is going to yet,” the source said.
A member of Makinde’s cabinet also indicated that discussions were ongoing regarding a possible defection, noting that the governor was weighing various options before making a final decision.
“The governor is prepared to leave the party. We are still discussing and considering options. It will not be too late for the people of Oyo and our aspirants,” the cabinet member said.
Similarly, an official in the Governor’s Office claimed that Makinde had allegedly directed PDP aspirants in the state not to obtain nomination forms under the party, adding that a new political destination—possibly the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or APM—would be decided soon.
However, reacting to the reports, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, refuted the claims, insisting that the governor had not announced any plan to defect from the PDP.
The conflicting accounts highlight ongoing tensions within the PDP, particularly in the wake of leadership disputes and recent political realignments across the country.
