Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has formally resigned his membership of the main opposition party.
9am News Nigeria reports that Atiku’s decision comes amid his increasing involvement with the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC), a newly formed coalition party expected to pose a strong challenge in the 2027 presidential election.
In a letter dated Monday, July 14, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of PDP Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Atiku announced his immediate withdrawal from the party he helped to establish over two decades ago.
The letter, which was shared on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media via X (formerly Twitter), reads in part:
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the party.
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.”
Reflecting on his long-standing association with the PDP, Atiku described the decision as painful but necessary:
“As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.
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.
It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.
I wish the party and its leadership all the best in the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and support.”
Atiku’s defection marks a major shake-up within Nigeria’s opposition bloc and is expected to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources close to the former Vice President have confirmed that he will play a central role in building the ADC into a formidable third force, aimed at consolidating opposition strength and challenging the ruling party’s dominance.
Political observers believe Atiku’s move could trigger further defections within the PDP, especially among loyalists who share his dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and internal divisions.
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