According to a report by the Punch on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stirred significant political reactions, as the 2027 general elections draw closer. Atiku’s exit from the party and his alignment with the coalition platform, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has prompted sharp responses from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and his former party, PDP, both of which have dismissed his move as inconsequential to their electoral prospects.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to his ward chairman in Jada 1, Adamawa State, Atiku formally announced his resignation from the PDP. This marks the fourth time he has left the party since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, each instance aligned with a fresh attempt at securing the presidency. His past defections include moves to the Action Congress in 2006, the APC in 2014, and now to the ADC in 2025.
Atiku’s political shift is part of a broader opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. The alliance includes notable political figures such as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others. The coalition has adopted the ADC as its platform, appointing former Senate President David Mark as interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary.
According to insiders, Atiku’s decision to leave the PDP was driven by concerns over the party’s current direction and internal dynamics, which he reportedly sees as incompatible with its founding principles. While the former Vice President has yet to publicly confirm his new political base, sources close to him have indicated that he intends to formally register with the ADC and declare his presidential ambition under the coalition banner in the near future.
Within the PDP, the response has been measured. Some party leaders argue that Atiku’s exit will not weaken the party’s standing. They describe the PDP as a resilient institution with the capacity to withstand political departures and realignments. Others within the party, however, have linked Atiku’s decision to a long-standing personal ambition to become president — a pursuit that has defined much of his political career.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, however, Bode George said, “He has walked this path before. He joined Bola Tinubu, but they deceived him, and he ran back to the PDP.”
Critics of Atiku within the PDP have questioned the consistency of his political moves, highlighting past alliances and defections that they believe have undermined party unity. There is also growing sentiment within the party that his departure could offer a chance for internal restructuring, especially around issues like zoning and leadership renewal, which have been contentious in recent years.
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