Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his 16-year association with the opposition party.
The move follows his recent alignment with a coalition backing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his resignation letter obtained by newsmen, the 2023 presidential candidate stated the PDP had “strayed from its foundational ideals of unity, good governance, and internal democracy.” Atiku’s departure comes after months of friction with the party leadership over its direction and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts note this marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics, as Atiku joins forces with third-force movements under the ADC banner.
The development leaves the PDP without its most prominent figure ahead of crucial governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed receipt of the resignation but declined further comment. Meanwhile, ADC Chairman Ralphs Okey Nwosu welcomed Atiku’s move, describing it as “a bold step toward salvaging Nigeria’s democracy.”
The 78-year-old statesman, who contested Nigeria’s presidency six times (1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023), is expected to play a leading role in the coalition’s strategy sessions ahead of the next general elections.
