Makinde, Mutfwang meet Tinubu at Aso Rock

The political atmosphere at Aso Rock was thick with anticipation this week as President Bola Tinubu played host to two key governors at the center of Nigeria’s ongoing 2027 power struggles.

Oyo State’s Seyi Makinde and Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang arrived separately at the Presidential Villa for high-level consultations that have set the political grapevine buzzing. For Mutfwang, the visit was particularly significant, being his first time meeting the President since he officially “dumped” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His presence at the State House is seen as a formal confirmation of his new alliance with the Presidency.

However, the spotlight quickly shifted to Governor Makinde, who has remained one of the most watched figures in the opposition. Amid swirling rumors that he might be the next big name to defect to the APC, the Oyo governor didn’t mince words after his meeting with Tinubu.

“I am comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde declared, putting an end to weeks of speculation. He explained that while he believes in a “bipartisan approach” to fixing Nigeria’s economic and security issues, working with the President on national interests does not mean he is leaving his party. “When you get to a junction where the interest of the nation is at stake, you need everybody on board. It shouldn’t be an issue of APC or PDP talking alone,” he added

The meeting also touched on the deepening rift between Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Makinde clarified his stance on the 2027 elections, stating that while some individuals may want to “hold the PDP” for the ruling party, he remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria does not drift into a one-party state.

As the country inches closer to the next election cycle, these “strategic consultations” at the Villa suggest that while the APC is successfully pulling in new members like Mutfwang, others like Makinde are preparing to fight from within the opposition all while keeping a direct line open to the Commander-in-Chief.