Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the third time, citing “irreconcilable differences” with the party's leadership and a deviation from its founding ideals.
The move, announced on Sunday, July 14, 2025, has ignited a wave of mixed reactions across Nigeria's political landscape — from accusations of political opportunism to claims that his exit spells the death knell for the PDP.
A Familiar Exit: Atiku’s Political Hops
Atiku’s departure marks his third defection from the PDP since 2007. His history of political migration includes:
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2007: Left PDP as sitting VP to run on the Action Congress (AC) ticket — lost, then returned.
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2014: Defected to APC — lost the presidential ticket to Muhammadu Buhari.
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2018: Returned to PDP and ran for president in 2019 and again in 2023 — both bids failed.
Now, in 2025, Atiku has jumped ship to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he’s expected to contest the 2027 presidency.
"The Party Lost Its Way" – Atiku
In his resignation letter addressed to PDP officials in Jada Ward 1, Adamawa, Atiku wrote:
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged. The current trajectory the party has taken diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.”
He expressed gratitude for the opportunities the PDP gave him, including two terms as Vice President and two presidential nominations.
ADC Suspends Activities Amid National Mourning
Shortly after Atiku’s defection, the ADC, now led by former Senate President David Mark as interim chairman, suspended all political activities nationwide, in respect for the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed earlier that week.
Makinde: “Good Riddance”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde dismissed the defection, saying Atiku’s presence in PDP had stalled progress.
“Anyone holding PDP down should leave,” Makinde said during a public event in Akure. “Politics is a game of interest. The PDP is an institution that will remain stronger.”
Keyamo Slams “Insensitive” Timing
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), criticized Atiku for announcing his resignation during the national mourning period, calling it a bid to steal the spotlight.
“This demonstrates that your obsession with your presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” Keyamo posted on X.
He also faulted Atiku for using the Nigerian Coat of Arms in his political communications, calling it “morally and legally wrong” and “bordering on impersonation.”
From Within the Ranks: Reactions from PDP and Beyond
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Ahmed Shehu, Adamawa PDP Chairman: “Atiku is a great asset, but PDP is bigger than any one man. We remain a formidable force.”
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Prof. Tunde Olusunle, PDP Chieftain: “This is the beginning of PDP’s unravelling. ADC is building momentum that may rival the LP effect in 2023.”
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Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC Spokesman: “Atiku’s defection is desperation, not strategy. The APC remains the party of progress and performance.”
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Umar Bello Jada, Atiku loyalist: “PDP has become uninhabitable. The defection was long overdue.”
Jada further claimed that the PDP’s presence in southern Adamawa is effectively over, as Atiku’s supporters move en masse to ADC.
What’s Next for the PDP – and Atiku?
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Atiku’s move has set off a chain reaction that may reshape Nigeria’s political battlefield. But whether ADC can transform into a true third force—or just another pit stop for Atiku—remains to be seen.
