Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that the only defection Nigerians should be concerned about is the departure of hunger and poverty from the country — not the ongoing political realignments within the political class.
Makinde made the remark in response to the recent defections of several governors from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a trend that has dominated national headlines in recent weeks.
“I’m sure many of you have been following the recent defections of politicians, especially governors who have left the PDP for the APC and other parties,” he said.
“With these defections, political analysts have been busy interpreting every handshake and silence. Once again, our national conversation is focused on who is moving, rather than what is moving.”
He continued, “For me, the only defection that truly matters is the one that hasn’t happened yet — the defection of hunger.”
Makinde criticised the disconnect between the political elite and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, noting that many families are battling rising costs of living while politicians focus on positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that the deepening economic hardship is breeding widespread frustration and despair, rather than partisanship, and called on the PDP to shift its focus to policies that alleviate poverty and restore public trust.
Makinde emphasised that electoral outcomes in 2027 will ultimately be shaped by how well parties address the everyday realities of citizens — not by political manoeuvring.
His comments come amid a wave of high-profile defections from the PDP to the APC, including those of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.
