The Peoples Democratic Party has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation with apparent indifference, calling on Nigerians to prioritize pressing economic challenges over political defections.
Atiku formally exited the PDP on Wednesday through a letter to his Jada 1 Ward chairman in Adamawa State, citing “irreconcilable differences” and the party’s deviation from its founding principles. He described the decision as “heartbreaking” while acknowledging the opportunities the party afforded him, including his vice presidency (1999-2007) and two presidential bids (2019, 2023).
A senior PDP National Working Committee member, speaking anonymously to Vanguard in Abuja, minimized the impact of Atiku’s departure:
“Atiku’s departure from the PDP is nothing new. Hasn’t he left the party before? Did anything fundamentally change?” the official remarked, referencing Atiku’s previous exits in 2006 and 2014.
The party leader redirected attention to Nigeria’s economic crisis: “Meanwhile, people are hungry. Are our lives solely defined by politicians switching parties?”
Political analysts suggest Atiku’s resignation aligns with his reported coalition-building efforts under the African Democratic Congress alongside Peter Obi (Labour Party) and other opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections. This potential realignment could reshape opposition dynamics against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The PDP’s muted response contrasts with Atiku’s emotional resignation letter, where he wrote: “As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision… I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.”
Efforts to obtain an official statement from PDP National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba proved unsuccessful, as he remained unreachable despite multiple contact attempts.
