Atiku Abubakar Resigns from PDP, Joins ADC Coalition for 2027 Nigerian Elections
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party he co-founded, citing a divergence from its foundational principles, and has joined a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State,
Atiku wrote:
Dear Chairman, LETTER OF RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP. I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect. I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the Party. 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. 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. Thank you once again for the opportunities and support.
Atiku’s resignation, announced publicly on July 16, 2025, follows his pivotal role in forming a coalition under the ADC, alongside prominent figures like Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate; Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna governor; Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers governor; David Mark, former Senate President and ADC interim chairman; and Rauf Aregbesola, interim ADC secretary.
The coalition, unveiled on July 2, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, aims to unite opposition forces to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Other key members include former PDP chairman Uche Secondus, former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, and Gabriel Suswam, and former APC chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.
The move stems from internal PDP crises, exacerbated by power struggles with figures like Nyesom Wike, and lessons from the 2023 election, where a divided opposition allowed Tinubu to win with 37% of the vote against Atiku’s 29% and Obi’s 25%. Analyst Shehu Iliyasu noted that Atiku and Obi, who ran together in 2019, aim to avoid splitting the vote again, with Atiku likely eyeing a fifth presidential run and Obi as a potential running mate.
However, the ADC faces internal resistance, with its 2023 candidate Dumebi Kachikwu accusing Atiku’s group of hijacking the party. A lawsuit filed on July 4, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenges the legality of David Mark’s interim leadership.
The ADC coalition is positioning itself as a credible alternative, with Atiku describing it as “a vehicle for renewal” to counter APC dominance. Political analyst Ben Kenneth believes their combined 2023 vote share could defeat Tinubu if unified.
However, the APC, through figures like Festus Keyamo, dismisses the coalition as a fragmented PDP faction, predicting it strengthens their 2027 prospects.
The PDP, under acting chairman Umar Damagum, insists it remains united and will not join the ADC, warning of disciplinary action against defectors.
As Nigeria’s political landscape shifts, Atiku’s resignation and the ADC’s rise mark a significant realignment ahead of 2027, with the coalition’s success hinging on its ability to maintain unity and navigate internal ADC disputes.
