Politics
Backlash Trails Atiku’s Third Exit From PDP
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s latest defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened internal divisions within the opposition party, sparking a wave of criticisms, political calculations, and questions over the PDP’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku formally resigned from the PDP on Sunday, July 14, in a letter addressed to the party chairman in his Jada Ward 1, Adamawa State, citing “irreconcilable differences” and deviation from the founding principles of the party.
His resignation marks the third time he has exited the PDP since its inception.
READ ALSO: Atiku Abubakar Dumps PDP, Floats New Coalition Party
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged,” Atiku stated. “The current trajectory of the party diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.”
Backlash from Party Leaders, Ministers
Reactions to the defection have been swift and varied. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde dismissed Atiku’s exit as inconsequential, asserting that the former vice president had become a weight on the party.
“The PDP is an institution,” Makinde said. “You have the freedom to enter and exit. But I think anyone who would hold the PDP down—it’s better for such an individual to leave.”
Makinde, who spoke during the 10th Coronation Colloquium of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, insisted that the PDP remains strong and unshaken.
However, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), criticized the timing of the resignation, accusing Atiku of political insensitivity.
Keyamo noted that Atiku’s move came during a seven-day national mourning declared by the Federal Government following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“It is within your constitutional right to change parties,” Keyamo wrote via X (formerly Twitter).
“However, releasing your resignation letter during the mourning of our immediate past president is a clear attempt to draw attention to yourself.”
Keyamo also condemned Atiku’s use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms on his private political communications, calling it illegal and morally wrong.
“Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, makes this an offence,” he added. “It borders on impersonation.”
Tension in Adamawa and PDP’s Power Base
In Atiku’s home state of Adamawa, PDP chairman Ahmed Shehu insisted that the former VP’s exit would not significantly affect the party’s structure.
“The former Vice President is a great asset, but our party remains formidable,” Shehu said. “The PDP in Jada Ward 1 remains intact. If any mass exit occurred, we would have been officially notified.”
However, Umar Bello Jada, a political associate of Atiku, argued otherwise, insisting the PDP is “already dead” in Adamawa South and predicted more defections would follow.
“The PDP is a dead party—killed by its own leaders,” Jada declared.
Rising ADC and New Political Calculations
Atiku has now pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is expected to seek the presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
The ADC, which had remained relatively quiet on the national scene, is now experiencing a resurgence, bolstered by the arrival of Atiku and his allies.
Atiku’s defection was followed by a wave of high-profile resignations from the PDP. Joining the ADC alongside him are Mark, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Chief Tom Ikimi, Senator Dino Melaye, and Bolaji Abdullahi, who now serves as ADC’s interim publicity secretary.
Professor Tunde Olusunle, a PDP chieftain and former presidential aide, described the ADC’s rise as a political “tsunami” that could eclipse the Labour Party’s 2023 momentum.
“The ADC is blossoming into a nationwide tsunami,” Olusunle said. “What it brings to Nigeria’s political landscape is massive and may render the PDP ineffective as an opposition force.”
APC Reacts: “A Desperate Move”
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has also weighed in. In a strongly worded statement, Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo described Atiku’s defection as a “predictable act of desperation.”
“Atiku’s continuous political nomadism is emblematic of a man driven not by principles or ideology, but by unrelenting personal ambition,” Oladejo stated.
He further asserted that the ADC posed no threat to the APC, which remains focused on governance, economic reforms, and electoral dominance ahead of 2027.
“Whether Atiku is in PDP, ADC, or any other alphabet party, Nigerians are wiser,” Oladejo said. “APC remains the only party with a proven track record of transformative governance.”
Atiku’s exit has once again thrown the PDP into a state of soul-searching. Although its leaders continue to present a united front, analysts believe the party faces existential challenges, especially in light of mounting defections, factionalism, and failure to present a cohesive opposition strategy.
With Atiku’s departure and the rise of the ADC, the battle for 2027 is already heating up long before official campaigns begin.
Whether the PDP can survive this fresh political storm remains uncertain.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has replaced his deputy, Senator Umar Tafida, with former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Augie, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The development was announced on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the All Progressives Congress National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu.
According to a statement by the Kebbi State Government, Argungu said the decision followed professional legal advice concerning the eligibility of the incumbent deputy governor.
SEE ALSO: 2027 Presidency: ADP Candidate Raises Alarm Over Plot to Replace Him
“The present Deputy Governor was dropped as the running mate to Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu for the 2027 general election based on professional legal advice,” Argungu said.
He explained that the decision was taken with Tafida’s understanding and consent, stressing that there was no disagreement between the governor and his deputy.
Argungu subsequently announced Augie as the new running mate to Governor Idris for the 2027 governorship election.
He called on APC members, politicians and supporters across Kebbi State to accept the development and unite behind the party ahead of the 2027 election.
Governor Idris also dismissed suggestions of a rift between him and Tafida, urging continued unity, support and cooperation as his administration pursues further development across the state.
Augie, who hails from Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, served as Commissioner for Finance during the administration of former Governor Atiku Bagudu.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, saying the outcome of the August 15 governorship election reflects the choice of the people.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of the keenly contested election on Sunday.
Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Adeleke’s victory as an expression of the preference of the majority of Osun voters.
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“This is democracy, and the majority of Osun voters have expressed their preference for the re-election of Governor Adeleke,” Oyebanji said.
He congratulated Adeleke on his electoral victory and urged him to be magnanimous in victory by carrying other contestants along in the task of building a more prosperous Osun State.
Oyebanji also commended the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as “a worthy challenger” and applauding Osun APC members for putting up a strong fight during the election.
He urged the opposition party to return to the drawing board and strategise for future elections.
The Ekiti governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as providing a level playing field for all candidates, arguing that the move helped reduce tension and contributed to a credible contest.
“We must specially appreciate our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for providing a level playing field for all the contestants.
This singular act of the President reduced tension and made the contest a credible one,” he said.
Oyebanji further commended INEC and the security agencies for their roles in conducting the election.
He, however, cautioned against interpreting Adeleke’s victory as a rejection of Tinubu by Osun voters, predicting that the state would massively support the President in the 2027 election.
“The outcome of the Osun Governorship election should not be misinterpreted as a true reflection of Osun people about President Bola Tinubu. Certainly not. The people of Osun will massively vote for President Tinubu come January 2027,” Oyebanji added.
The presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, has raised the alarm over alleged moves to replace him as the party’s candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Friday, said any attempt to substitute his name without his consent and outside established legal and party procedures would undermine democratic principles.
SEE ALSO: Fresh ADC Twist: Faction Rejects Atiku Camp, Picks Chris Uba for 2027 Presidency
He said he had received information about alleged political pressure concerning the party’s presidential candidacy, although he did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the claim.
According to him, any decision affecting the party’s presidential candidate must comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the constitution and regulations of the ADP, as well as applicable procedures of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“Any attempt to secretly substitute, withdraw, replace or otherwise compromise my candidacy without my express consent and without strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the constitution and regulations of the ADP, and applicable INEC procedures would constitute a grave assault on democratic principles and the rights of our members and supporters,” he said.
Abbas said he emerged as the ADP presidential candidate through the party’s recognised processes, stressing that any subsequent decision concerning the ticket should be handled transparently and in accordance with the law.
“My mandate is not a personal possession of any individual, neither is it a political bargaining chip to be traded behind closed doors,” he said.
The ADP candidate urged the party’s National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, state chairmen and other stakeholders to protect the integrity of the party’s presidential nomination process.
He also called on the party leadership to preserve official records relating to the presidential primary, nomination, submission of documents and communications with INEC.
Abbas further maintained that any alteration to the party’s presidential ticket should only be undertaken through lawful, transparent and verifiable procedures prescribed by the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.
He urged political stakeholders to respect the rights of party members and supporters and allow democratic processes to determine candidates for the 2027 elections.
“Our party belongs to its members. Our mandate belongs to the people. And our democracy belongs to Nigeria,” he said.
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