Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that the departure of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will have no negative impact on the party.
Speaking with journalists at the 10th Coronation Anniversary Colloquium of Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure, where he served as the keynote speaker, Makinde emphasized that PDP is a resilient institution.
“I don’t believe Atiku’s exit will cause any dent in the PDP,” he said. “The party is an institution that allows people the freedom to come and go.”
Atiku, a long-time PDP stalwart, officially resigned his membership of the party on Wednesday in his home state of Adamawa.
Governor Makinde also dismissed concerns about the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as just another political party competing in elections. According to him, the ADC poses no real threat to the PDP.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “The Role of Nigeria’s Traditional Institutions in Nation Building: Impediments, Impacts, and Prospects,” Makinde highlighted the enduring importance of traditional institutions in governance and community development.
“Traditional rulers are not just symbols of the past, they are vital pillars of identity, legitimacy, and social cohesion,” he said. “Before modern governance structures, they upheld justice, community values, and local security. They continue to enjoy grassroots trust and play critical roles in nation-building.”
He added that ignoring traditional institutions is a mistake modern governance cannot afford, noting that politicians still seek the blessings and support of traditional rulers.
Makinde stated that his administration has taken deliberate steps to integrate traditional leadership into Oyo State’s governance framework, which has yielded positive outcomes.
He concluded by emphasizing that true nation-building relies not on natural resources like oil, but on the strength and effectiveness of institutions and the justice they deliver.
In his remarks, Oba Aladelusi expressed gratitude to the governor and reaffirmed the significant role traditional institutions play in national development. He called for constitutional support to further empower traditional rulers, noting that Akure remains a united kingdom under the support of its people and government.
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