Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has formally resigned from the party, citing a departure from its founding ideology.
Atiku’s decision was made public on Wednesday in a letter released to the media and confirmed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe.
“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. 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, recognizing 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 resignation follows weeks of speculation after he reportedly formed a coalition with key political figures under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The alliance, which includes Labour Party’s 2023 flag bearer Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, is aimed at mounting a united opposition front to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
His exit adds to the weakening political realignment for the PDP and intensifies the momentum behind the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the next election cycle.
