Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not miss former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who just resigned from the opposition party.
Abubakar turned in his resignation letter from the PDP earlier on July 14, citing irreconcilable differences.
Reacting to the development, Makinde, who spoke in Akure, the capital of Ondo, on Wednesday said s better for anybody holding the PDP down to quit.
He spoke at the colloquium to mark the 10th anniversary of the rulership of Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, the Deji of Akure, held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
“Politics is a game of interest. I don’t think that his exit will make any dent on PDP as a party,” Makinde said.
“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.”
He also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party adopted by the opposition politicians to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, as an alternative to the PDP.
” 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,” Makinde said.
“But one thing we must all realize is that players will come and go, governors will come and go, Presidents will come and go but our state and country will remain.”
He highlighted the strategic role traditional institutions play in governance, conflict resolution, and community development.
“Too often, traditional institutions are misunderstood. Some imagine frail old men who have outlived their relevance. Others view them as mere instruments of political endorsement. That mindset must change,” Oyo governor said.
“Traditional institutions are not relics of the past. They are enduring pillars of identity, legitimacy, and communal cohesion.
“Long before Nigeria’s formal administrative systems took root, traditional rulers dispensed justice, upheld values, coordinated local security, and kept communities united.
“Today, they remain custodians of grassroots trust. And nation-building that ignores them does so at its peril. No wonder politicians continue to seek their blessings and validation.”
He cited the example of Oyo state, where, according to him, traditional institutions have been integrated into the governance architecture, including the state security council, and have helped resolve conflicts and promote peace.
The governor noted that while there are challenges, such as jurisdictional conflicts and political capture, traditional institutions deliver measurable impact, including conflict resolution, community policing, and development ownership.
“Reforming legal frameworks to provide clarity on the roles, rights, and recognition of traditional councils. strengthening our security architecture to formalise community policing strategies rooted in traditional structures,” he said.
“Elevating cultural diplomacy and tourism, placing our traditional institutions at the heart of heritage, arts, and youth engagement.”
