President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, received in audience the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, in a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said his meeting with the President was premised on national and subnational governance issues.
Makinde added that none of his previous remarks indicated any strain in his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising that his engagement with the President was driven by matters of governance rather than partisan considerations.
“The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of APC, and we’re talking about governance here. So I came to discuss with the President on some governance issues, basically,” Makinde said.
Addressing journalists on whether his visit indicated a closer alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Makinde said ideological differences had never amounted to animosity or impeded constructive engagement.
“There’s nothing that I’ve said in the past that says we’re 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 said.
He outlined insecurity, poverty alleviation and citizens’ welfare as issues that transcend party lines, noting that leaders at all levels must collaborate to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“These are things that have no coloration of a party. As leaders, whether President or governor, those are things we have to work together on, consult with one another, and ensure that we can make life better for our people,” the governor added.
Makinde further dismissed defection ideas into tye All Profressivws Congress Party, reaffirming his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While acknowledging that some national challenges demand bipartisan collaboration, the Oyo State Governor said he remains firmly rooted and comfortable within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“There are times when you need everybody on board to take the best step forward in the interest of our nation,” he said.