Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed the departure of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as inconsequential and “good riddance to bad rubbish.”
Speaking on Wednesday at a colloquium marking the 10th anniversary of Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade’s reign as the Deji of Akure, Governor Makinde said Atiku’s resignation would not affect the party’s strength or unity.
“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 stated.
The governor emphasized that the PDP remains a solid political structure capable of withstanding internal changes. He insisted that individuals whose actions undermine the party’s progress should step aside.
Makinde also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative to the PDP, stressing that while political players may come and go, the nation remains.
“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 realise 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 said.
The governor further used the occasion to highlight the enduring relevance of traditional institutions, describing them as critical to governance, conflict resolution, and community development values he said his administration continues to uphold in Oyo State.
