Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not feel the absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently announced his resignation from the party.
Makinde made the remark while speaking with journalists after delivering the keynote address at a colloquium marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, in Akure, Ondo State.
Reacting to Atiku’s exit, the governor described it as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” insisting that no single individual is bigger than the party.
“Politics is a game of interest. I don’t think his exit will make any dent on the PDP as a party. PDP is an institution. We have freedom of entrance and exit,” Makinde stated.
“Anyone who holds PDP down, it is better for such an individual to quit,” he added.
When asked about the possibility of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerging as an alternative to the PDP, Makinde dismissed the idea, saying political players come and go, but institutions endure.
“I don’t see ADC as a threat to PDP. If you are not happy about the tempo and pace of governance, you’re free to associate and explore alternatives. But governors will come and go, presidents will come and go — our state and country will remain,” he said.
Meanwhile, in his speech at the colloquium titled “The Role of Nigeria’s Traditional Institutions in Nation Building: Impediments, Impacts, and Prospects,” the Oyo governor advocated for constitutional roles for traditional rulers, saying they are integral to peace, security, and development.
Makinde said traditional rulers have been misunderstood in many quarters, often reduced to political tools or overlooked as outdated figures. He stressed that their relevance in local governance, security, and conflict resolution cannot be overemphasized.
“In Oyo State, we have institutionalised the role of traditional rulers in our State Security Council. They are not bystanders. They are first responders, sources of local intelligence, and advocates for peace,” he noted.
The governor also cited examples of how Oyo has passed laws to clarify succession processes among royal families, reduce communal tensions, and ensure traditional rulers enjoy autonomy and dignity without political interference.
Makinde concluded that the strength of a nation should not be measured only by its resources but by the institutions that serve its people with integrity and purpose.
