Knocks for Ex-VP Atiku After Dumping PDP for Third Time

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the third time in his political career, sparking a flurry of mixed reactions from across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007 under the PDP, announced his departure via a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the party’s chairman in Jada 1, his political ward in Adamawa State.

In the letter, Atiku cited irreconcilable differences as his reason for leaving, noting that the PDP had “deviated from the principles of its founding fathers.” He said it had become increasingly difficult for him to reconcile with the party’s current direction.

“It is with deep and heart-wrenching regret that I write to formally inform you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party. The party we once built together has now deviated from the principles and objectives set by its founding fathers,” the letter read in part.

The announcement triggered widespread commentary, particularly given Atiku’s long-standing ties with the PDP and the fact that this is his third formal exit from the party since 2006.

ADC Emerges as Atiku’s New Platform

Political insiders confirmed that Atiku is set to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is currently being restructured under the interim leadership of former Senate President David Mark. Others involved in the party’s repositioning include ex-Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, Senators Tunde Ogbeha and Dino Melaye, and former Kogi Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi.

It is understood that the ADC is gearing up to position Atiku as its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde, Keyamo, Others React

Among the notable reactions was that of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who downplayed Atiku’s departure and said the PDP was better off without individuals who had been holding it back.

“Politics is about interest. If your interest is not protected, you move. Anyone who would hold PDP down, it is better for such an individual to just leave,” Makinde said during an event in Akure, Ondo State.

However, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), offered harsher criticism. He took issue not just with the timing of Atiku’s resignation—which came during Nigeria’s official mourning period following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari—but also with what he described as “inappropriate use of the national coat of arms” on Atiku’s letterhead.

“With the greatest respect, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” Keyamo said, referencing the timing of the announcement.

He further claimed Atiku’s continued ambition had now become “a huge joke.”

Internal PDP Rift and 2027 Ambition

Sources close to Atiku claim his decision was fueled by concerns that the PDP leadership—particularly FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—was working to shut him out of the party’s 2027 presidential race. There were fears his influence was being systematically eroded.

A top source told TheCable:

“They didn’t want to give Atiku the presidential ticket again in 2027. The Wike camp and other interest groups were already working underground to make sure that he would be edged out.”

Another source close to Atiku confirmed that after a series of consultations, including advice from close allies, the former VP saw no path forward in the PDP and opted to leave for the ADC.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING: Atiku Officially Resigns From PDP

Jada PDP Shrugs Off Exit

Despite being Atiku’s political base, PDP officials in Jada Local Government Area were largely dismissive of his departure. The party’s chairman in Adamawa, Ahmed Shehu, noted that while Atiku’s contribution to the PDP was acknowledged, the party remained strong in his absence.

“The former Vice President is a great asset for sure, but our party remains a formidable one… The PDP in Jada remains as it has long been,” he said.

However, Atiku’s loyalist Umar Bello Jada strongly disagreed. He argued that the PDP was no longer habitable for Atiku and predicted that the party would lose its grip on Adamawa South.

“The PDP is a dead party, killed by its very leaders,” he said. “They have traded away the party’s future.”

Olusunle: ADC May Be 2027 Game-Changer

Professor Tunde Olusunle, a media scholar and PDP chieftain, said Atiku’s defection was not only a significant blow to the PDP but could turn the ADC into a powerful third force ahead of 2027—more potent than the Labour Party in 2023.

“ADC is blossoming into a nationwide tsunami… What it’s bringing to bear on our politics is humongous,” he said.

Lagos APC: Another Opportunistic Move

In Lagos, the APC dismissed Atiku’s switch as yet another desperate act by a political serial defector. The party’s publicity secretary, Seye Oladejo, said the development only reaffirmed APC’s long-standing critique of Atiku’s political inconsistencies.

“Atiku has again proven that political instability follows him wherever he goes. Nigerians deserve better than recycled politics and self-serving theatrics,” he said.