In the wake of significant defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the nation’s priority should be tackling widespread hunger rather than fixating on political shifts.
In his bi-monthly newsletter released on Thursday, Governor Makinde acknowledged that while the recent migration of some PDP governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dominated headlines, Nigerians ought to concentrate on the day hunger and deprivation leave the country. Only then, he argued, can true prosperity and national dignity be restored.
He highlighted the harsh reality that many families face daily, forced to make heartbreaking decisions due to economic hardship, underscoring that these challenges are far more pressing than political party changes.
Makinde called on Nigerians to focus on substantive issues and resist being distracted by political maneuvering, which he described as superficial diversions.
The newsletter stated: “Many of you have likely been following the recent wave of defections, particularly governors abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties.
“Political commentators have been quick to interpret every handshake and silence, turning our national dialogue toward who is switching sides rather than what is truly shifting in our country.
“To me, the only defection that truly matters is the one yet to occur-the defection of hunger itself.
“When asked about this trend of political cross-carpeting at a recent press briefing, I responded, ‘I will only be moved when hunger defects into the APC.’ I stand by that statement because while politicians change affiliations, ordinary Nigerians struggle to meet basic needs.
“Every day, families face impossible choices. These are the real challenges, not political realignments.
“We cannot continue to pretend all is well simply because officials claim so.
“What we are witnessing is a growing divide between the wealthy and the impoverished. While the affluent adjust, the vulnerable sink deeper-and this is where our focus must lie.
“It is hunger, not party politics, that breeds frustration and despair. Until we address this, political theatrics will remain mere distractions.”
Governor Makinde reaffirmed his belief that the Nigerian electorate, burdened by hunger and poverty, will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections. He assured that the PDP is committed to regrouping and offering Nigerians a platform of genuine relief, contrasting with the hardships brought by others.
“Let me reiterate: regardless of analysts’ forecasts or the number of defections, the Nigerian people will decide the 2027 elections. Our responsibility in the PDP is to demonstrate that we can deliver relief where others have caused suffering.
“Historically, the PDP oversaw a period of relative stability and growth. Nigerians may differ on many issues, but they recall when salaries held value, businesses could plan confidently, and hope was tangible.
“Our mission now is to rebuild that trust and restore the PDP as a party that puts people’s welfare above political ambitions.
“In November, our national convention in Ibadan will be more than a routine gathering; it will be a chance to reaffirm our principles and send a clear message that our focus is on restoring lives, not just power structures.
“My appeal is straightforward: remain engaged, stay focused, and keep faith in the power of your voice. The hunger gripping our nation today will not endure-if we collectively refuse to accept it as normal.
“Let others switch parties for convenience. We must stand firm on principle, because when hunger finally leaves, prosperity and national pride will return,” he concluded.
The governor stressed that politics should serve the people, arguing that policies disconnected from the realities of hunger, unemployment, and loss of dignity are unworthy of support. These, he insisted, are the true challenges-not the defections.
He added, “As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, the central theme of my current read, ‘Money: A Story of Humanity’ by David McWilliams, is that economic choices are not just about figures. Every decision that reduces people’s financial means pushes them closer to poverty.
“Policies that ignore hunger, joblessness, and the erosion of human dignity are not policies worth defending. I firmly believe our politics must prioritize humanity.”
