The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have downplayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the PDP and his defection to the coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, insisting it poses no threat to their ambitions.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of his Ward, Jada 1 in Adamawa State, Atiku Abubakar formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Since 1999, Atiku has left the PDP three times, each move driven by his pursuit of the presidency.
In 2006, ahead of the 2007 election, he defected to the Action Congress. He left the PDP again in February 2014 to join the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), before his most recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku, along with several opposition leaders, has continued to criticise the ruling APC for what they describe as its failure to deliver effective governance.
In response, on July 1, Atiku, former 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, APC’s 2023 presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a unified opposition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
As part of the coalition’s structure, former Senate President David Mark was appointed interim National Chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named interim National Secretary.
Atiku, who contested the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections under the PDP, explained that his decision to resign was driven by the party’s current trajectory, which he believes has strayed from its original principles.
In the resignation letter, he wrote 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. 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 Pprty 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 media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed the former Vice President’s exit from the PDP, saying, “Yes, it is true he has left the PDP,” but declined to reveal his next political move, stating it would be announced later.
However, a source close to Atiku told The PUNCH that he is set to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and will soon formally register and declare his presidential ambition.
Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor and PDP Governors Forum member, Seyi Makinde, downplayed its impact, saying, “I don’t think that will make any dent on the PDP. PDP is an institution, and people are free to come and go.”
Similarly, PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, described Atiku’s exit as “shocking,” attributing it to his unrelenting ambition to become President. He recalled that Atiku had previously left the PDP for Tinubu, only to return after being disappointed.
“He is no longer a young man. What I can decipher is that this ambition to be President has taken over his inner strength and thoughts. As a leader of this party, he should realise that what we do in the PDP is zoning. Eight years in the North and eight years in the South. He knows for sure that he cannot get our presidential ticket in 2027. He has to wait until 2031.
“We don’t have the power to prevent anybody from taking the ticket of another party, but in PDP, no sir. We must obey our constitution. They manipulated the constitution in the past, and all those who participated in that process have headed to the ADC.”
Reacting to the reasons given by Atiku to justify his resignation, the retired Navy Commodore asked, “Who created the mess that Atiku is talking about? He would have been President since 2007 when Baba Obasanjo left. He was the Vice President, but he was perpetually deceived by Bola Tinubu. He was working with Tinubu to make sure Obasanjo did only one term.
“When he led the team that walked out of our national convention and joined Tinubu’s party, what was he thinking? When they were beaten mercilessly, he returned home. Who is Atiku deceiving? I urge his children to tell their father that enough is enough.
“By 2027, he would be 81. What does he want to do at 81? He should start preparing grounds for the young ones to take over. The PDP honoured and mentored him. He was number two for eight years. What does he want? Is he the only one in this country?”