Gov. Seyi Makinde to Atiku Abubakar: PDP won’t miss you, ADC not a threat

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has downplayed the political impact of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s reported exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the party will not miss him.

Makinde made the comments on Wednesday while speaking at a colloquium held to mark the 10th anniversary of Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, the Deji of Akure’s reign.

The event took place at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State.

The governor, who used the platform to reflect on the role of traditional institutions in governance, also addressed recent political developments in the PDP.

He said Atiku’s departure would not leave any dent on the party.

“Politics is a game of interest. I don’t think that his exit will make any dent on PDP as a party. 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 said pointedly.

He also dismissed concerns about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) posing any threat 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. 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 added.

While the political remarks stirred reactions, Governor Makinde devoted most of his speech to emphasizing the vital role traditional rulers continue to play in modern governance, especially in grassroots security, conflict resolution, and cultural identity.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Makinde highlighted how, in Oyo State, traditional leaders have been integrated into governance, notably within the State Security Council, helping to promote peace and resolve disputes.

“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 added.

The governor called for legal reforms to clearly define the roles and rights of traditional councils and for traditional rulers to be strategically engaged in community policing and national development.

“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. Elevating cultural diplomacy and tourism, placing our traditional institutions at the heart of heritage, arts, and youth engagement,” Makinde stated.

He concluded by stressing that real nation-building is not measured by natural resources but by the strength of its institutions and their ability to serve the people justly.

Also speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, congratulated Oba Aladetoyinbo on his 10-year reign, praising the monarch’s impact on the Akure kingdom.

Similarly, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, lauded the Deji’s leadership, noting that the traditional institution under his watch has driven significant achievements in Akure.

“Strengthening traditional institutions is not simply about cultural preservation — it is strategic governance,” Fasoranti added.