Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State downplayed the exit of the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to Makinde, his defection won’t affect the fortunes of the party.
Makinde stated this in Akure, Ondo State, during an interview with journalists at the 10th anniversary of the rulership of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
Atiku, on Wednesday, announced his resignation from the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences and a shift in the party’s direction from its founding principles.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of PDP Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, he formally terminated his membership in the party with immediate effect.
Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities the party afforded him, including running twice as its presidential candidate.
In addition, he said his decision was driven by what he described as the party’s departure from its core values.
Speaking on his exit from the party, the governor said, “Politics is a game of interest. I don’t think that will make any dent in PDP as a party.
“The Peoples Democratic Party is an institution. We have freedom of entrance and exit. Anyone that will hold PDP down, it is better for such an individual to quit.”
On whether the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, is a threat to the party, Makinde said, “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, and presidents will come and go, but our state and country will remain.”
