Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again made headlines following his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) his third departure from the platform he helped build.
In a resignation letter dated July 16, Atiku cited “irreconcilable differences” and a party trajectory misaligned with its foundational ideals.
🚀 Don't Miss Out!
Latest jobs • Scholarships • Grants • Internships • Career tips
(Naija + worldwide) — delivered daily on our WhatsApp Channel.
ALSO READ: Deviation from core principles – Atiku Abubakar explains his resignation from PDP
Atiku’s resignation letter described his departure as heartbreaking, yet necessary,
“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. … It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”
🔔 OFFICIAL CHANGE OF NAME MADE EASY!
Avoid delays and rejection — let professionals handle your publication quickly and stress-free.
We help you publish your change of name in:
📰 Punch Newspaper
📰 Vanguard Newspaper
📰 Other Top National Newspapers
✨ Why Choose Us?
- ✔️ Quick turnaround (3 days)
- ✔️ Budget-friendly packages
- ✔️ Reliable & trusted service
He also affirmed gratitude to the PDP and the nation’s electorate, citing his service including two vice‑presidential terms and two presidential bids as pivotal chapters in his experience.
In this article we explore six notable times Atiku crossed the political floor and the reasons behind each pivotal move.
1. 1999–2006: Rise in the PDP
Atiku began his national political journey with the PDP as Adamawa State Governor before becoming Vice President to Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007).
His early years in the party were marked by influence and ambition as he navigated national politics during Nigeria’s return to democracy.
2. 2006: PDP → Action Congress (AC)
A bitter fallout over Obasanjo’s succession plans prompted Atiku to leave PDP in 2006 for the newly formed Action Congress (AC).
ALSO READ: ‘Awujale’s burial frees Yoruba Kings from ritual slavery’ – Oluwo declares
He contested the presidential race under AC in 2007 but lost to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a move born of political strategy and personal grievance.
3. 2009: Back to PDP
After clashes with AC leadership most notably Bola Tinubu, Atiku returned to the PDP in 2009.
He pursued the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2011 election but was defeated by incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.
4. 2014: PDP → APC
In a bold twist pre-2015 elections, Atiku again left the PDP, this time joining the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC).
ALSO READ: Sanwoolu celebrates Maryam Lawal, LASU Alumna who emerges best Female Law School graduate
He cited lack of internal democracy within PDP and sought new opportunity in APC’s ranks for a presidential bid.
He lost the primary but contributed to Buhari’s victory in 2015
5. 2017: APC → PDP
Unfulfilled campaign promises and alleged sidelining within APC led Atiku back to PDP in 2017.
ALSO READ: PDP, LP, YPP reject Lagos Local Government Election results
He became PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 but was defeated once more by Buhari
6. 2025: PDP Exit and Shift to ADC Coalition
In his latest calculated move, Atiku officially resigned from PDP on July 14, 2025, aligning himself with a new opposition coalition emerging around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in partnership with Peter Obi, David Mark, and other opposition heavyweights.
ALSO READ: Lagos, Diageo Nigeria launch training to empower over 250 Youths
Atiku’s pattern of switching parties appears driven more by political calculations and power dynamics than by ideology.
His most recent alignment with ADC and figures like Peter Obi and David Marksignals a deliberate effort to form a united front against the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections
