Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Atiku cited the PDP’s “internal stagnation, repeated betrayals, and lack of credible vision” as his reasons for leaving the party he helped shape over the last two decades.
“After deep reflection and wide consultations, I have come to the painful conclusion that the PDP, in its current state, is no longer positioned to rescue or rebuild Nigeria,” Atiku said.
This marks Atiku’s third major defection from the PDP since 2006. Known for his political flexibility, the former VP had previously joined and left the All Progressives Congress (APC) before returning to the PDP in 2017.
Sources close to the former Vice President say he is now aligning with the emerging coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a platform that has reportedly attracted key figures including Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and several disgruntled PDP and APC governors.
The PDP leadership has not issued an official response, but party insiders describe the move as a “devastating blow” ahead of the party’s plans to rebuild its base for 2027.
