Atiku

Former Vice President of Nigeria and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has officially resigned his membership from the opposition party.

Atiku’s resignation, which comes amid the build-up to the 2027 general election, was conveyed in a letter dated Monday, July 14, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of the PDP in his Jada 1 ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

A copy of the letter was shared on Wednesday by Abdul Rasheeth, the former vice president’s Special Assistant on Media, via X (formerly Twitter).

“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter read.

Atiku, who served two terms as Nigeria’s Vice President under the PDP from 1999 to 2007 and was the party’s presidential flag bearer in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities the PDP afforded him during his political career.

“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,” he stated.

The former vice president cited internal divisions and a deviation from the party’s founding ideals as key reasons for his departure.

“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, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged,” he said.

Atiku also confirmed the formation of a new coalition party—the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC)—which is expected to serve as a major platform ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

“I wish the party and its leadership all the best in the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and support,” the letter concluded.