Atiku Abubakar Resigns from PDP, Joins African Democratic Congress (ADC) Ahead of 2027 Elections

Strategic Insights -

Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially resigned from PDP, citing irreconcilable differences and deviation from the party's founding principles. In a letter dated July 14, 2025, Atiku expressed gratitude for the opportunities PDP provided him, including his two-term tenure as Vice President and two presidential runs on the party's platform. He stated that he could no longer continue as a member of PDP due to the current direction of the party, which he believes diverges from the foundational principles they stood for.

Key Takeaways:

  • Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria and founding member of PDP, has resigned from the party, citing irreconcilable differences and deviation from the party's founding principles.
  • Atiku has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
  • He has been a member of PDP for decades, initially joining in 1998, leaving in 2006, re-joining in 2007, leaving again in 2014, and finally re-joining in 2017.
  • The resignation has been met with mixed reactions, with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing it as a good riddance to bad rubbish, while Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, berated Atiku for poor timing.
  • ADC has welcomed Atiku's resignation, stating that suffering Nigerians do not need the APC-led government beyond 2027 and are convinced that ADC is the alternative to regain their basic needs in life.

Statistics:

  • 2025: The year Atiku resigned from PDP in a letter dated July 14.
  • 1998: The year Atiku initially joined PDP.
  • 2006: The year Atiku left PDP for the first time.
  • 2007: The year Atiku returned to PDP and contested the presidential election, losing to President Umaru Yar'Adua.
  • 2011: The year Atiku returned to PDP to contest the presidential election, again losing to President Goodluck Jonathan.
  • 2014-2017: The period during which Atiku left PDP and joined All Progressives Congress (APC).
  • 2019: The year Atiku returned to PDP and became the presidential candidate in the general election, losing to President Bola Tinubu.
  • 2022: The year Atiku contested and won the PDP presidential primary election, but lost the main election to President Bola Tinubu.
  • 2027: The year of the upcoming general elections in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • "Atiku Abubakar Resigns from PDP, Joins African Democratic Congress (ADC)" (July 15, 2025)
  • "PDP: Atiku's Resignation a Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish" (July 15, 2025)
  • "Minister of Aviation Berates Atiku for Poor Timing" (July 15, 2025)
  • "ADC: Suffering Nigerians Don't Need APC Any Longer" (July 16, 2025)
  • "Group: Anyanwu's Recall Finished PDP" (July 17, 2025)