Former Vice President of Nigeria and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has officially resigned from the PDP.
Atiku announced his resignation in a letter dated Monday, July 14, 2025, addressed to the chairman of PDP, Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The letter was shared on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter) by his Special Assistant on Media, Abdul Rasheeth.
In the letter, Atiku cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP and a divergence from the party's founding principles as reasons for his decision, particularly as the nation heads toward the 2027 general elections.
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” he stated. “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 acknowledged the party's contribution to his political journey but said the PDP’s current trajectory limits its chances in future elections.
“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. I wish the party and its leadership all the best in the future,” he added.
Atiku’s resignation comes amid his reported involvement in the formation of a new coalition platform, the Alliance Democratic Congress, which is speculated to be a launchpad for his 2027 presidential ambition.
However, prior to the public confirmation of his resignation, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, had denied the rumours circulating on social media, describing them as politically motivated falsehoods.
In a strongly worded statement, Ibe said, “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not — we repeat, has not — resigned from the PDP. He remains a steadfast, bonafide, and loyal member of the party.”
He further described the reports, particularly those from a Facebook page called Adamawa Happenings, as fabrications designed to mislead the public and discredit Atiku. “It is a calculated attempt to sow discord among the millions of Nigerians who look to Atiku Abubakar for direction and leadership,” the statement read.
Despite the initial denial, the release of the resignation letter now confirms Atiku’s departure from the PDP, signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
ADEOLA KUNLE
