Abuja, 16 July 2025 – In a significant development that could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing a divergence from the party’s foundational principles. The resignation, effective immediately, was announced in a letter dated 14 July 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State.
In the letter, Abubakar expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities afforded by the PDP, highlighting his tenure as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and his role as the party’s presidential candidate on two occasions. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the Party,” he wrote. “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.”
Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a key architect of the PDP since its formation in 1998, emphasised that his decision stemmed from the party’s current trajectory, which he believes strays from its original ideals. “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,” the letter stated. “It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”
The former Vice President wished the PDP and its leadership well for the future, thanking them once again for past opportunities and support. The letter was signed in Waziri Adamawa, with a handwritten date of 14/07/2025.
This move comes amid growing speculation about a broader political realignment in Nigeria, particularly as opposition figures position themselves for the 2027 elections. Recent reports indicate that Abubakar has been involved in discussions around a new coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). His son, Muhammad Atiku Abubakar, who serves as Chairman of the Atiku Support Organisation, resigned from the PDP earlier this month, citing the party’s decline under current leadership and signalling a shift towards the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been abuzz with reactions to the news. Posts from users and news outlets shared images of the resignation letter, with many describing it as the “end of an era” for the PDP. One user noted, “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar resigns from PDP officially. All the best Leader,” while another proclaimed, “Where the King leads… We follow!” Critics within the opposition have suggested that Abubakar’s departure could further fragment the PDP, already weakened by internal divisions following the 2023 elections.
Abubakar’s political journey has been marked by multiple shifts. He previously left the PDP in 2014 to join the APC, only to return in 2017 ahead of his 2019 presidential bid against Muhammadu Buhari. Rumours of his exit have circulated earlier this year, with his aides dismissing reports in April as “malicious lies” and “political hatchet jobs.” However, the latest developments appear tied to frustrations over the party’s direction, including zoning disputes and leadership struggles that pitted Abubakar against figures like former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Analysts suggest this resignation could bolster efforts to form a “mega party” or coalition, potentially including Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi. Such an alliance aims to consolidate opposition forces against the APC, amid economic challenges and public discontent.
