"Seyi Makinde is of the belief that Atiku Abubakar's departure from the PDP will have minimal impact on the party"
### Title: Governor Makinde's Emphasis on Traditional Institutions and Dismissal of Atiku Abubakar's Exit from PDP
In a significant development, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed his stance on the recent exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the integration of traditional institutions into the State's governance.
During a lecture titled "The Role of Nigeria's Traditional Institutions in Nation Building: Impediments, Impacts, and Prospects," Governor Makinde was unequivocal in his reaction to Atiku's departure, describing it as inconsequential for the party's future and even labeling it a "good riddance to bad rubbish." He argued that the exit of anyone who was "holding PDP down" is ultimately beneficial for the party, emphasizing that the PDP is an enduring institution that should not be dependent on any single individual.
In the broader political context, Atiku's resignation was prompted by his perception that the PDP has deviated from its founding principles and by internal power struggles, particularly with figures like Nyesom Wike and Samuel Anyanwu. However, Governor Makinde's comments suggest a belief that the PDP's institutional resilience will outweigh the loss of any single faction or leader. He dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party some of Atiku's associates have joined, as a credible alternative or threat to the PDP.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde's administration in Oyo State has been actively collaborating with traditional institutions. The Governor stated his belief in institutionalizing a constitutional role for traditional rulers in nation building. In Oyo State, traditional rulers serve as first responders, sources of local intelligence, and advocates for peace. The Governor's administration has integrated traditional institutions into the State Security Council, although specific results of these collaborations have not been disclosed.
Despite not discussing the current state of governance in Oyo State or the country, Governor Makinde's administration views the role of traditional institutions as more than bystanders. The Governor believes in a constitutional role for traditional rulers in nation building, but did not mention any potential challenges or benefits of this approach.
The following is a summary of Governor Makinde's key positions:
| Aspect | Makinde's Stance | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Atiku's Exit | "Good riddance"; not a loss for the party | | Impact on PDP | No significant impact; PDP is an institution, not dependent on individuals | | ADC as Alternative | Dismissed as a credible threat to PDP | | Party Resilience | Emphasized the durability and collective strength of PDP | | Traditional Institutions | Believes in a constitutional role for traditional institutions |
Governor Makinde made these remarks during an interview in Akure, Ondo State capital. It is clear that he views politics as a game of interest, and Atiku's exit from the PDP will not make any significant impact on the party. The Governor's focus remains on strengthening the role of traditional institutions in governance and nation building.
- Governor Makinde of Oyo State, despite discussing Atiku Abubakar's exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), primarily focuses on the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria's governance and nation building.
- The African Democratic Congress (ADC), to which some of Atiku Abubakar's associates have joined, is dismissed by Governor Makinde as not a credible alternative or threat to the resilient PDP.
- Governor Makinde believes in a constitutional role for traditional rulers in nation building, and in Oyo State, they serve as first responders, sources of local intelligence, and advocates for peace, being integrated into the State Security Council.
