Politics

Makinde: The Real Defection Nigerians Await Is That of Hunger, Not Politicians

Published by admin on October 18th, 2025.

Makinde: The Real Defection Nigerians Await Is That of Hunger, Not Politicians

Rotimi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the most crucial shift Nigeria needs is not political but economic — specifically, the departure of hunger and poverty from the country.

In his latest bi-monthly newsletter released on Thursday, Makinde addressed the wave of political defections making headlines, particularly the movement of some PDP governors to rival parties like the APC. However, he stressed that such political maneuvering is secondary to the struggles of everyday Nigerians grappling with rising living costs and dwindling opportunities.

“Everyone seems focused on which politicians are jumping ship,” Makinde noted. “But the real movement we should all be watching for is when hunger and hardship exit our homes and communities.”

He explained that while political analysts dissect every alliance and silence, the urgent national conversation should be about economic survival, not political survival.

“When I was asked recently about the current trend of politicians switching parties, I said I would only be concerned the day hunger defects to the ruling party — and I stand by that,” Makinde said. “Right now, families are making heartbreaking choices just to survive. That’s the reality we should all be addressing.”

The governor highlighted the deepening inequality and rising frustration among Nigerians, pointing out that economic hardship, not partisanship, is the root cause of public despair.

He emphasized that the power to shape the outcome of the 2027 elections lies with the people, not political defections or backroom strategies.

“No political move can replace the voice of the people. What will truly determine the next election is how Nigerians feel — whether they believe their lives are improving or deteriorating,” he said.

Makinde urged the PDP to reconnect with the public by offering clear, tangible solutions to the economic crisis. He acknowledged that the party must work to rebuild its credibility by focusing on the needs of the people rather than internal power plays.

“Our responsibility is to show Nigerians that we can bring relief where others have delivered hardship,” he said. “People remember when salaries could support a household, when businesses had hope, and when dreams were attainable. We must restore that sense of possibility.”

Looking ahead to the PDP’s national convention in Ibadan, Makinde described the event as more than a party gathering — a moment to refocus the party’s mission and values.

He called on citizens not to resign themselves to the current situation, urging them to remain hopeful and proactive.

“Others may switch parties for personal gain. Let us stand on principle. When poverty and hunger finally leave this nation, that will mark the return of dignity and prosperity for our people,” he concluded.

Makinde closed with a reminder that politics should serve a higher purpose: improving lives.

“Policy decisions aren’t just about economic figures. Every policy that reduces people’s purchasing power is pushing them closer to poverty,” he said. “Our politics must be rooted in compassion and the real experiences of Nigerians.”