By Erewunmi Peace

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that the most important defections in Nigeria have not yet taken place, stressing that the real “defection” the nation needs is that of hunger and poverty leaving the people’s lives.

Makinde made this remark in his bi-monthly newsletter released on Wednesday, October 16, while reacting to the recent wave of political defections among top politicians across the country.

He noted that while public attention has been drawn to political movements between parties, the real concern for Nigerians should be the worsening economic conditions and rising cost of living.

“For me, the only defection that truly matters is the one that has not happened yet — the defection of hunger,” Makinde stated.

The Oyo State governor explained that leadership should focus on bringing relief to citizens rather than engaging in political drama. He emphasized that Nigerians are more concerned about access to food, jobs, and better living standards than political alliances.

Makinde’s statement comes amid ongoing political realignments as some governors and lawmakers move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His comments appear to call for a shift in national priorities from politics to people-centered governance.

Observers have since interpreted Makinde’s remarks as a reminder that Nigeria’s biggest challenge remains economic hardship rather than political rivalry.