By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said that individuals hindering progress within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are free to exit the party, insisting that the PDP remains stronger than any single member.
Makinde made the statement on Wednesday during the 10th Coronation Anniversary Colloquium of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, held in Akure, Ondo State.
“Well, politics is a game of interest,” the governor said. “I don’t think that will make any dent on PDP as a party. PDP is an institution. You have freedom of entrance and exit, but I think anyone who will hold PDP down, it’s better for such individuals to go.”
His remarks came in reaction to the recent resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the PDP, a move that has stirred reactions within political circles.
Atiku, a founding member of the party and its presidential candidate in multiple elections, announced his resignation on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences and dissatisfaction with the party’s current direction.
In his resignation letter, Atiku wrote: “Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life… However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.”
Despite Atiku’s exit, Makinde maintained that the PDP would endure, noting that no individual is greater than the party. “The PDP is here to stay,” he affirmed.
