Nigeria’s longtime opposition figure, Atiku Abubakar, has officially parted ways with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), marking a major shift in the country’s political landscape. Atiku, who previously ran for president under the PDP banner in 2019 and 2023, announced his resignation in a letter citing deep concerns over the party’s departure from its founding ideals.
“With a heavy heart, I resign, acknowledging the irreconcilable differences that have arisen,” Atiku wrote in his letter to PDP leadership.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president from 1999 to 2007, expressed gratitude for his time in the PDP but emphasized the need for a new direction. He has now joined a powerful coalition of opposition leaders under the banner of the newly formed Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) a political force aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The ADC brings together key political heavyweights:
- Atiku Abubakar – Former vice president and PDP presidential candidate
- Peter Obi – Former governor and Labour Party candidate in 2023
- Nasir El-Rufai – Influential former governor of Kaduna State
The coalition also includes prominent former lawmakers and governors from both the PDP and APC, signaling a broad-based effort to reshape Nigeria’s political future.
This new alliance mirrors the successful opposition coalition that unseated the PDP in 2015 after 16 years in power. With growing dissatisfaction over governance and economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu’s APC, the ADC hopes to reignite public trust and offer a compelling alternative.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the formation of the ADC marks a pivotal moment. The coalition promises to champion reform, unity, and progress aiming to deliver transformative leadership and renewed hope for millions of Nigerians.
