Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing irreconcilable differences and a departure from the party’s founding principles.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Atiku announced his decision to quit the party with immediate effect.
The former vice president expressed gratitude for the roles and opportunities he received from the party, including serving as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and as the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged,” the letter reads in part. “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.”
He thanked the PDP for its support over the years and wished the party and its leadership success in the future.
Coalition for 2027
Atiku’s resignation is seen as part of wider political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Alongside other opposition heavyweights, including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku has formed a new coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform, naming former Senate President David Mark—who also resigned from the PDP—as interim national chairman. Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was appointed interim national secretary.
History of Party Switching
This marks Atiku’s third departure from the PDP. After serving as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he left the PDP in 2006 to run for president on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2007, losing to the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua.
He returned to the PDP ahead of the 2011 elections but lost the presidential ticket to Goodluck Jonathan. Atiku later joined other politicians, including Bukola Saraki and Rotimi Amaechi, in forming the APC, supporting Muhammadu Buhari’s successful 2015 presidential bid. He rejoined the PDP in 2017 and became its presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023 but was defeated in both elections.
His latest departure follows lingering internal rifts within the PDP, particularly after the contentious 2022 presidential primary and the fallout with key figures such as the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
