Others Can Leave PDP for Convenience, We’ll Stand Firm for Conscience — Makinde on Defection

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reacted strongly to recent waves of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that while some may leave out of convenience, he remains committed by conscience and principle. He dismissed defection as a shallow politics of opportunism and cautioned that real issues like hunger and inequality deserve deeper attention.

In a newsletter released Thursday evening, Makinde acknowledged that many politicians—particularly governors—are abandoning the PDP for the APC or other platforms, but insisted that his loyalty is not transactional. “Others can defect for convenience, but I will stand firm for conscience,” he declared.

He framed the greatest defection not in political parties, but in systemic failures. “The only defection that truly matters is the one that has not happened yet — the defection of hunger,” Makinde said, drawing attention back to Nigeria’s worsening socioeconomic challenges. He argued that as politicians shift alliances, Nigerians struggle daily to afford basic necessities.

Makinde urged citizens to stay focused on tangible governance and not be distracted by political realignments. According to him, the PDP’s charge must be to rebuild trust and restore values that distinguish politics of service from politics of expediency.

Highlighting the widening gap between rich and poor in Nigeria, he insisted that inequality—not defection—should dominate political discourse. “While people are busy changing parties, Nigerians are sinking under mounting costs and diminishing opportunities,” Makinde said, urging the country not to overlook what truly drives discontent.

He also labeled the recent defections as a distraction, stressing that the ultimate decider in governance should be the people, not shifting allegiances. He said that only when the people defect will he take notice. “I will only be moved when hunger defects into the APC,” he asserted.

Makinde’s message comes amid speculation over internal party divisions, political realignment, and future election strategy as the PDP prepares its national convention in Ibadan.