Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a decades-long association with Nigeria’s main opposition party. The move, which comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, was confirmed in a resignation letter dated Monday, July 14, and made public on Wednesday via social media.
In the letter addressed to the PDP chairman of Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Atiku cited irreconcilable differences and a divergence from the party’s founding ideals as the reasons for his departure.
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter reads.
“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.”
Atiku, who was Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, also served as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023. His departure marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, with many analysts viewing it as the end of an era within the PDP.
The former vice president also confirmed his involvement in the formation of a new political coalition — the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC) — a move seen as part of preparations for the 2027 general election. Though full details of the coalition remain under wraps, sources close to Atiku say it aims to bring together opposition elements dissatisfied with both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.
Atiku expressed gratitude to the PDP for the platforms and opportunities afforded him over the years, calling his time in the party “one of the most significant chapters” of his political life.
“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. I wish the party and its leadership all the best in the future,” he concluded.
Atiku’s resignation signals a potential political reshuffle and sets the stage for a turbulent build-up to the 2027 polls, as Nigeria’s political heavyweights begin reconfiguring alliances
