Former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has formally resigned from the opposition party, signaling a major political shift as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s resignation was officially communicated in a letter dated Monday, July 14, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of the PDP in Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State — his political base. A copy of the letter was made public on Wednesday, July 16, via the X (formerly Twitter) handle of Paul Ibe, his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.
In the letter, Atiku expressed gratitude for his long-standing relationship with the PDP but noted that the time had come to pursue a broader national vision through a new political coalition. He confirmed his role in the formation of the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC) — a coalition of like-minded political actors, civil society groups, and technocrats — which he described as “a renewed movement to rescue Nigeria.”
“After deep reflection and consultations with political associates, I have decided to step aside from the PDP and join efforts in building a new national platform that can offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027,” the letter partly read.
The 77-year-old statesman’s exit from the PDP marks the latest in a series of high-profile defections as various power blocs realign ahead of the 2027 elections. His decision is seen by political analysts as a major blow to the PDP, which has struggled with internal divisions and defections since losing the presidency in 2015.
Though details about the newly formed Alliance Democratic Congress remain limited, sources close to the former Vice President say the coalition has already begun talks with prominent figures from other opposition parties, including elements from the Labour Party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and key civil society stakeholders.
Political observers believe Atiku’s move could reshape the dynamics of the upcoming elections, especially if the ADC succeeds in uniting Nigeria’s fragmented opposition into a single formidable front.
The PDP leadership has yet to issue an official statement in response to Atiku’s departure, but sources within the party say emergency meetings have been scheduled to assess the impact of the development and possible realignment strategies.
This marks the fifth time Atiku Abubakar has changed political affiliation in his decades-long political career, reflecting both his adaptability and the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
