In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his decades-long association with the opposition party.
Atiku, who has contested for the presidency multiple times under the PDP banner — most recently in the 2023 general elections — announced his resignation late Tuesday through a personally signed statement.
“This is not a decision I take lightly,” he wrote. “But I can no longer, in good conscience, remain in a party that has strayed so far from the values and mission it once stood for. The PDP has become rudderless and disconnected from the hopes of ordinary Nigerians.”
Sources close to the former vice president say he had grown increasingly frustrated with infighting, poor leadership coordination, and what he described as a “lack of vision” within the PDP hierarchy.
Atiku’s departure is already reverberating through the political sphere. Senior PDP officials declined to comment immediately but are said to be in emergency consultations over the potential fallout.
A top PDP National Executive Council (NEC) member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted the move was “a serious setback” for the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say Atiku’s resignation could pave the way for a new political realignment. Some speculate he may lead or join a coalition of opposition voices, while others believe rapprochement with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not off the table.
At 77, Atiku remains a powerful figure in Nigerian politics, with a loyal support base in the North and deep networks across the country.
The development raises urgent questions about the future of the PDP, which has struggled to find its footing since losing power in 2015. As Nigeria inches closer to another election cycle, the opposition may now face an uphill task in mounting a credible challenge to the APC without Atiku.
More updates to follow as the story develops.
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