Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde publicly rejected speculation about defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party after holding talks with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Makinde said he remains committed to the PDP and that the dialogue with the President was focused on national issues that transcend party lines, rather than political realignment.
His comments come amid swirling speculation about alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor emphasised the importance of constructive engagement across party divides to tackle national challenges, signalling a pragmatic approach rather than outright opposition.
Elsewhere in the capital, political actors and analysts are closely watching the dynamics within and between major parties as Nigeria edges closer to a highly contested election cycle.
Separately, critics argue that inter-party discussions should not weaken internal party cohesion or blur ideological differences.
The broader political landscape shows heightened jockeying for influence in several states, with defections, strategic partnerships and policy debates shaping discourse at both federal and sub-national levels.
