Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has formally resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing what he described as “irreconcilable differences” within the party. The announcement was contained in a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP ward chairman of Jada 1 in Adamawa State.
Atiku, one of the founding fathers of the PDP, expressed disappointment over the party’s current direction, which he believes no longer reflects the ideals upon which it was built. “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,” the statement read.
This development marks the third time Atiku is exiting the PDP, a party under which he served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and contested the presidency in 2019 and 2023.
Speculations Grow Over New Coalition Plans
His resignation is already fueling speculation about a broader political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources close to the matter say Atiku is teaming up with other prominent opposition figures including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The group is reportedly rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a unified platform to present a strong opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). On July 2nd, the coalition reportedly adopted the ADC, appointing former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman, and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.
A Familiar Pattern of Political Movement
Atiku’s political journey has long been marked by strategic party shifts. He previously left the PDP to contest the 2007 presidential election under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), returned for the 2011 race, joined the APC ahead of the 2015 elections, and came back to the PDP in 2017 to contest the 2019 and 2023 polls.
This latest move follows lingering discontent within the PDP, especially after the controversial 2022 presidential primaries.
As he bids farewell to the PDP once more, Atiku extended his best wishes to the party’s leadership, signaling what could be the beginning of a major shake-up in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
