Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has downplayed the impact of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party remains a resilient political institution.
Atiku exited the PDP on July 14, citing a deviation from the party’s founding principles. His departure comes amid lingering internal rifts following the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking on Wednesday in Akure at the 10th coronation anniversary colloquium of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, Makinde said Atiku’s exit would not weaken the PDP.
“Politics is a game of interest. I don’t think his exit will make any dent on PDP as a party,” Makinde stated.
“PDP is an institution. We have freedom of entrance and exit. Anyone who holds PDP down, it is better for such an individual to quit.”
Makinde, widely speculated to be eyeing a 2027 presidential bid, also dismissed the threat posed by opposition leaders regrouping under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“I don’t see ADC as a threat to PDP. The goal is about the same. If you are not happy about the tempo and pace of governance, you are free to associate and see what can be done.”
He emphasized that while political actors come and go, the state and country must remain the central focus.
“Governors will come and go, presidents will come and go, but our state and country will remain,” he said.
Shifting from politics, Makinde advocated for a stronger role for traditional institutions, describing them as key players in governance, conflict resolution, and community development.
“Traditional institutions are not relics of the past. They are enduring pillars of identity, legitimacy, and communal cohesion,” he noted.
“Before Nigeria’s formal systems, traditional rulers dispensed justice, upheld values, and united communities.”
Makinde called for reforms to clarify the legal roles and status of traditional councils, including their integration into community policing frameworks.
“Nation-building that ignores them does so at its peril. No wonder politicians continue to seek their blessings and validation.”
