Abuja — In a major political development, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has resigned from the party, sparking widespread speculation about Nigeria’s 2027 electoral landscape.
Atiku made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that while he is leaving the PDP, he remains committed to forming a strong opposition coalition capable of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
“I am not leaving the political space, but the time has come for a new direction. A broad-based alliance is necessary to salvage Nigeria from the current decline,” Atiku said.
Sources close to the former Vice President revealed that discussions are already underway with key figures from the Labour Party, ADC, and other opposition parties as part of a grand plan to establish a unified political front.
A Strategic Exit, Not Retirement
Atiku clarified that his resignation from the PDP does not signify his retirement from politics, but rather a realignment aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and electoral competitiveness.
“My decision is not driven by bitterness or division, but by the urgent need to build a coalition that represents the true aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.
Rumbles in the PDP
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the PDP, where Atiku has been a dominant figure for decades. He served as Vice President under the PDP-led administration of Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007 and has contested multiple presidential elections under the party’s banner.
PDP insiders fear that Atiku’s exit could lead to more defections and further weaken the party’s standing ahead of 2027.
