Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not miss former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his resignation.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 16, Makinde described Atiku’s exit as “good riddance to bad rubbish.”
He made the remark after attending a colloquium celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.
“Politics is a game of interest,” Makinde told journalists. “His exit won’t affect PDP. It’s better for anyone holding the party down to leave.”
Makinde, a key PDP governor, dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative. He noted that PDP remains an institution with open doors for both entry and exit.
“I don’t see ADC as a threat to PDP. If you’re unhappy with the pace of governance, find alternatives. But institutions last longer than players,” he said.
Makinde also used the occasion to advocate constitutional roles for traditional rulers. According to him, such roles would allow monarchs to participate in state and national development.
He stressed that traditional rulers are not obsolete figures but strategic governance partners. In Oyo State, he said, their roles are fully integrated into security and development systems.
“We’ve institutionalised their role in the State Security Council,” he said. “They provide intelligence, advocate peace, and help prevent conflicts.”
He added that the state passed laws to reduce succession disputes and promote autonomy within royal institutions.
Makinde acknowledged challenges like unclear jurisdiction between local governments and traditional rulers.
However, he believes thoughtful reforms can empower these institutions further.
He said traditional rulers help resolve local disputes and support community policing. Their support for the Amotekun Corps, he noted, has driven the initiative’s success.
The governor concluded by urging stronger partnerships between traditional and modern governance.
“A nation like Nigeria needs stronger, smarter institutions. The bond between palaces and policies must be solid,” he said.
Makinde stressed that Nigeria’s success shouldn’t be measured by oil output but by the strength of its institutions and their legacy.