Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his decades-long association with Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Atiku communicated his decision to leave the party through a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 ward, Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State, his home constituency.
In the resignation letter, Atiku expressed his gratitude for the opportunities the party had provided him while explaining his reasons for departure. “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” he stated.
The former vice president acknowledged the significant role the party had played in his political career, noting that serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a presidential candidate twice had been among the most significant chapters of his life.
As one of the founding fathers of the PDP, Atiku described his decision as heartbreaking but necessary. “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,” he wrote.
The resignation comes amid reports that Atiku has joined forces with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to form a coalition of opposition parties aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The coalition has reportedly adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform to contest against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming general elections.
Atiku’s departure from the PDP represents a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly given his status as a founding member and his multiple attempts to secure the party’s presidential nomination. His exit could potentially reshape the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
In concluding his resignation letter, Atiku extended his best wishes to the party and its leadership, stating: “I wish the Party and its leadership all the best in the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and support.”
The move signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics as key figures seek alternative platforms to challenge the ruling party in the next electoral cycle.
