The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has downplayed the recent resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, calling his departure a non-issue and blaming him in part for the party’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said Atiku’s exit would not affect the party, describing it as “good riddance to bad rubbish.”
Atiku, who co-founded the PDP in 1998, officially resigned on Wednesday in a letter addressed to the chairman of his Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State.
The resignation, dated July 14, 2025, follows growing speculation that he intends to pursue the 2027 presidency under an African Democratic Congress-led coalition.
In his resignation letter, Atiku wrote “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.
“I would like to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities given to me by the party. Serving as Vice President for two terms and contesting the presidency twice under the PDP banner have been defining moments of my life.
“However, the party’s current trajectory no longer aligns with the founding ideals we stood for. It is with a heavy heart that I step away, recognising irreconcilable differences.
“I wish the party and its leadership all the best moving forward. Thank you once again for the opportunity and support.”
Abdullahi responded critically, accusing Atiku of failing to unite the party during the 2023 elections, leading to high-profile defections and internal disunity.
“He could have mobilised party members and rallied broader support for the 2023 election,” Abdullahi said. “Instead, we witnessed the departure of Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and five governors led by Nyesom Wike all from his campaign.”
He added that Atiku’s poor leadership was a significant factor in the PDP’s loss to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abdullahi also emphasized that this is not the first time Atiku has left the PDP.
“By my count, this is the fourth time he’s left. He first left in 2006 during his vice presidency, then again in 2011, 2014, and now in 2025,” he said.
“Each time he returns when it suits him. This pattern shows the party cannot rely on his loyalty.”
Despite Atiku’s long history with the PDP, Abdullahi stressed that the party is bigger than any one individual.
“No one is indispensable in the PDP. We’ve seen even a sitting president tear up his membership card, only to return later. The PDP is an institution 27 years strong and counting.”
He also expressed skepticism about Atiku’s rumored coalition plans for 2027, calling them “dead on arrival” due to conflicting ambitions among potential allies.
“If he thinks a coalition will guarantee him the presidency, he’s mistaken. Within the PDP, we are committed to due process and won’t hand anyone the ticket on a silver platter not after three failed attempts.”
Abdullahi concluded by wishing Atiku well but reaffirmed the party’s commitment to moving forward.
“We wish him well, but PDP won’t lose sleep over his exit. Anyone who wants to leave is free to do so. This party has endured, and we’re focused on the future.”
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