Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the recent exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not negatively impact the party's standing or operations.
Makinde made this assertion while speaking to journalists at a Colloquium marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure, where he served as the keynote speaker.
"I don't think that will make any dent on PDP as a party. PDP is an institution and you have freedom of entrance and exit," Makinde stated, emphasizing the party's institutional strength beyond individual membership.
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, officially resigned his membership from the PDP in Adamawa State on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, describing his decision as "heartbreaking" in his resignation statement.
The Oyo State governor further dismissed concerns about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) posing a threat to the PDP, characterizing it as merely another political party intending to contest elections, just as the PDP does.
Traditional Institutions as Pillars of Nation Building
During his keynote address titled "The Role of Nigeria's Traditional Institutions in Nation Building: Impediments, Impacts, and Prospects," Makinde highlighted the critical importance of traditional institutions in Nigeria's development.
"Traditional institutions are not relics of the past but enduring pillars of identity, legitimacy, and communal cohesion," Makinde emphasized. "Long before Nigeria's formal administrative systems took root, traditional rulers dispensed justice, upheld values, coordinated local security, and kept communities united."
The governor explained that his administration in Oyo State has deliberately integrated traditional institutions into the governance architecture, resulting in significant successes. He argued that strengthening traditional institutions is not merely about cultural preservation but represents strategic governance.
"Nation-building is not about how much oil the country produced but about the strength of institutions, their ability to serve the people justly, and the legacy they leave behind," he added.
In response, Oba Aladelusi acknowledged the pivotal role traditional institutions play in nation-building and called for constitutional strengthening of these institutions. The traditional ruler also commended the state government and Akure citizens for their support of the Deji palace.
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