Dare Babalola
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has cautioned political opposition groups in Nigeria against internal divisions, warning that a fractured opposition could undermine democratic stability in the country.
Makinde made the remarks on Saturday during a gathering of opposition stakeholders held in Ibadan, which brought together political actors from several parties including the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, among others.
The meeting, hosted at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, was convened to encourage cooperation among opposition blocs amid growing national concerns over governance, security, and economic challenges.
Speaking at the event, Makinde emphasised that the objective of the engagement was not political conflict but constructive dialogue and coordination among political stakeholders in the interest of national progress.
He stressed that weakening opposition voices, whether deliberately or through neglect, could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
Makinde said participants must prioritise responsibility and national interest over partisan considerations, noting that the country’s challenges require collective effort rather than political isolation.
He also urged political leaders to engage more deliberately and thoughtfully in addressing issues affecting citizens, adding that unity within the opposition was crucial for sustaining democratic accountability.
The governor concluded by welcoming participants to Ibadan and expressed optimism that the discussions would yield meaningful outcomes for Nigeria’s political development.
