Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says the most important defection Nigerians should focus on is not political — but the defection of hunger and poverty from the country.
In his bi-monthly newsletter released on Thursday, Makinde weighed in on the wave of political defections, particularly the exit of some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has dominated recent headlines.
“Our national conversation has once again turned to who is moving, rather than what is moving,” he wrote. “But the defection that truly matters is that of hunger and economic hardship from our people’s lives.”
Makinde criticized the media and political class for focusing on realignments rather than the economic crisis affecting millions. He said Nigerians are struggling daily to meet basic needs, and that the growing inequality gap is fueling frustration and hopelessness across the country.
“When asked recently about this wave of cross-carpeting, I said I’d only be moved when hunger defects to the APC — and I meant it,” he said. “Families are being forced to make impossible choices. These are the real issues, not political manoeuvres.”
Makinde argued that the outcome of the 2027 general elections would be determined not by defections, but by the Nigerian people. He said the PDP must focus on rebuilding trust by offering real solutions to the worsening economic situation.
“Nigerians remember when salaries had value, when businesses could plan, and when hope was not an illusion. Our task is to restore that hope and show that the PDP prioritises people over politics.”
Looking ahead to the PDP’s upcoming national convention in Ibadan, the governor described it as more than a political gathering — calling it an opportunity to “reset and reassert our values.”
He encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith, urging them to remain engaged and resist the normalization of hardship.
“Let others defect for convenience; let us stand firm for conscience,” he added. “When hunger finally defects, prosperity will return — and so will our pride as a people.”
Makinde concluded by stressing that politics must serve humanity. He warned that any economic policy detached from the realities of hunger, unemployment, and the erosion of dignity is “not worth defending.”
“Economic decisions are not just about numbers. Every policy that takes money out of people’s pockets pushes them closer to poverty. Our politics must serve humanity.”
