The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the PDP and his move to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) as no threat to their political strongholds or future prospects.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of his Ward, Jada 1 in Adamawa State, Atiku officially announced his exit from the PDP. Since 1999, he has departed from the PDP three times, each instance aligned with his bid to contest the presidency. He previously left for the Action Congress in 2006 ahead of the 2007 elections and for the APC in 2014 before returning to the PDP, from which he has now moved again.
Atiku and other opposition leaders have continued to criticise the APC-led government for what they describe as poor governance. On July 1, he joined other political figures—including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai—to adopt the ADC as a unified platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. As part of this coalition, former Senate President David Mark was named interim National Chairman and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola interim National Secretary.
Atiku, who contested the presidency on the PDP ticket in 2019 and 2023, said his decision to leave was prompted by what he perceived as the party’s deviation from its founding ideals. In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude for the roles he held within the party, including two terms as Vice President and two presidential nominations. However, he stated that the current direction of the PDP is no longer consistent with its original vision.
His media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed the resignation, stating, “Yes, it is true he has left the PDP.” A source close to Atiku also revealed that he is set to join the ADC and will formally declare his presidential ambition soon.
However, PDP leaders have downplayed the impact of his departure. Governor Seyi Makinde said it would not dent the party’s future, describing the PDP as a political institution that transcends individual exits. Party elder Chief Bode George described Atiku’s move as the result of his unrelenting ambition to become President, noting that he is unlikely to secure the PDP’s 2027 ticket given the party’s zoning principles. George also urged Atiku to give way for younger leaders and accused him of contributing to past divisions in the party.
In Adamawa, Atiku’s home state, PDP leaders celebrated his exit. State chairman Tahir Shehu said Atiku’s departure would not weaken the party, citing its historical strength in the state. Another chieftain, Luka Tumba, claimed Atiku had been more of a hindrance than an asset to the PDP, especially during elections.
From the APC camp, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka mocked Atiku’s frequent party switches, calling him “Nigeria’s incomparable political wanderer,” driven solely by ambition. Bala Ibrahim, APC Director of Publicity, described him as a “serial loser” with no guiding ideology or principles beyond a desire for power.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo accused Atiku of using his resignation to distract the nation during a period of mourning following former President Buhari’s death. He also criticised Atiku for improperly using the national coat of arms in his resignation letter, calling it illegal and misleading.
Former Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu similarly dismissed the impact of Atiku’s defection, saying it would not affect the APC’s 2027 chances.
On the other hand, the ADC appears encouraged by Atiku’s move. Party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed his formal entry, describing it as a boost to the coalition’s efforts. He noted that Atiku had been part of the alliance’s formation and that his official defection could attract more supporters.
