‘PDP Is Bigger Than One Man’ – Makinde Shrugs Off Atiku’s Resignation, Reaffirms Party’s Stability
🗓️ 17 July 2025
🖋️ Byline: IDNN Political Desk
Ibadan, Nigeria – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has responded to the resignation of Atiku Abubakar from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with calm dismissal, stating that the party’s survival and relevance do not hinge on any single individual — no matter how prominent.
Addressing journalists at a political stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan on Wednesday, Makinde described Atiku’s exit as “unfortunate but not fatal”, stressing that the PDP remains a national institution with deep grassroots strength and ideological continuity.
“PDP existed before Atiku. PDP will outlive any individual. The party is not a personal project,” Makinde declared.
Makinde: PDP Was Built by Collective Sacrifice
The Oyo governor, widely considered one of the most pragmatic leaders in the party, said while Atiku played a notable role in the PDP’s early years and multiple presidential runs, he is “not the custodian of the party’s soul.”
“You can’t pull the rug from a house you helped build, then act like it won’t stand. This house is built by many hands.”
Makinde emphasized that what matters now is internal renewal and youth inclusion, not mourning Atiku’s departure.
“This is politics — not royalty.”….Makinde
Cracks and Continuity: The PDP’s Crossroads
Atiku’s exit after 26 years has reignited conversations about PDP’s long-term direction, factional rifts, and coalition vulnerability.
But Makinde insisted the party remains resilient and is already working on realignments to counter emerging coalitions like the Obidient-ADC alliance.
“If someone leaves a team before the match, you don’t stop the game. You play smarter,” he said.
“This is politics — not royalty.”
Makinde on 2027: ‘Let the People Speak’
Asked whether he would support a Southern candidate in 2027 or align with newer coalitions, Makinde avoided specifics but signaled openness to reformist ideology over personality cults.
“What Nigerians want now isn’t drama. They want delivery. Whether from old names or new ones, let results lead,” he said.
Intra-Party Caution and Hidden Optimism
While some within the PDP are rattled by Atiku’s sudden exit, Makinde’s posture mirrors efforts by PDP governors and NWC leaders to project calm and cohesion ahead of an expected emergency NEC meeting later this month.
“We’ve seen worse storms. We’ve survived. We’ll survive this too,” Makinde said.
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