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.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to consider its campaign calendar and preparations for the campaign flag-off in Kaduna.
The meeting, according to an internal memorandum released on Sunday and signed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council, will take place at 2 p.m. at the council’s headquarters, Plot 781, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja.
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The notice states that attendance is “strictly by invitation” and restricted to the 134 members of the Presidential Campaign Council listed in the distribution list.
It explains that the meeting will formally commence the council’s collective assignment and provide an opportunity for members to consider and adopt the campaign calendar.
“The meeting will formally commence the collective assignment of the Council and provide an opportunity to consider and adopt the Campaign Calendar,” the memorandum stated.
It added that members would also deliberate on other related matters, including preparations for the campaign flag-off scheduled to take place in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Governors, National Assembly Leaders Listed
The distribution list includes state governors, National Assembly leaders and officials assigned to various campaign directorates.
Among those listed as state coordinators are Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Others include Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas are also listed among the council’s leadership.
Campaign Directorates
The memorandum identifies officials responsible for coordinating different aspects of the campaign, including media and strategic communications, new media, finance and treasury, fundraising, policy and manifesto development, legal affairs, security and intelligence, data management, and contact and mobilisation.
The Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications lists Mohammed Idris Malagi as Coordinating Director I and Abdulaziz Abdulaziz as Coordinating Secretary I.
Segun Dada and Solomon Arowolo are listed as director and secretary, respectively, of the Directorate of New Media.
Other directorates listed include infrastructure mobilisation and sensitisation, creative sector mobilisation, artisan mobilisation, diaspora mobilisation, women mobilisation, sport sector mobilisation and mobilisation of people living with disabilities.
The document also identifies a Parliamentary Mobilisation Directorate for State Assemblies.
In the memorandum, Uzodimma thanked members for their cooperation and commitment to the assignment.
“Thank you for your usual cooperation and dedication to the success of this important assignment,” he stated.
The meeting is scheduled to hold four days before the campaign flag-off in Kaduna, which the memorandum identifies as a key item for discussion.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its diaspora chapters, citing a subsisting court judgment that reportedly restricts Nigerian political parties from establishing, operating or supervising chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The party announced the decision in a press statement released on Sunday October 18, 2026, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq.
The statement followed a review of the party’s relationship with its foreign chapters operating across different countries, with the NDC explaining that its decision was informed by a court judgment concerning the legality of diaspora chapters belonging to Nigerian political parties.
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The party referenced the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025, decided by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama.
According to the NDC, the court held that “no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.”
The statement further quoted the court as ruling that “diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties were illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Explaining its decision to comply with the reported judgment, the party said it was withdrawing all previous recognition granted to its foreign chapters.
“Therefore, the NDC, in deference to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the statement read.
NDC Appreciates Diaspora Supporters
Despite the withdrawal of recognition, the party expressed appreciation to its diaspora supporters, acknowledging their contributions, loyalty, guidance and continued commitment to its activities.
The NDC said it remained grateful for the support it had received from the various foreign chapters, even as it moved to address the legal implications of the court judgment.
“We are deeply appreciative of the immense support of various foreign chapters in the diaspora. We are grateful for their unwavering loyalty, guidance, and contributions to the party,” the statement said.
The party also disclosed that a harmonisation process had been initiated in jurisdictions where more than one group existed, with the aim of bringing the different groups under a single umbrella.
It added that the judgment was still under review and had been referred to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.
“The party is currently studying the judgment and has referred same to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance,” the statement added.
NDC Addresses Peter Obi’s Diaspora Supporters
The NDC also acknowledged the significant interest Nigerians living abroad have shown in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party encouraged diaspora supporters to sustain their interest and continue supporting its political activities despite the withdrawal of formal recognition from its foreign chapters.
“The party is aware of the tremendous interest that Nigerians in the diaspora have in our candidates, especially our presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and we thank them and encourage them to sustain such interest with more vigour,” the statement read.
The party further clarified that the withdrawal of recognition did not mean diaspora supporters should stop meeting or interacting with one another.
Instead, it encouraged them to maintain their engagements, assuring them that the party would continue to communicate with them through appropriate and lawful channels.
“We encourage our supporters in the diaspora to continue to meet and interact, and we shall remain in touch with them through appropriate and legal channels,” the statement said.
NDC Criticises APC, Calls for a New Nigeria
The party also used the statement to urge its supporters to remain committed to its political objectives, calling for collective efforts to address what it described as Nigeria’s present state of drift and hopelessness under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Collectively, we must work hard to build a Nigeria of our dreams. We must rescue Nigeria from its present state of drift and hopelessness foisted on it by the rudderless APC,” the statement read.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, has questioned the implications of a proposed one-term presidency arrangement involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, warning that it could affect the South-East’s long-term political aspirations.
Nkwocha raised the concerns on Saturday during a strategic sensitisation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imerienwe Ward 5, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, where he urged the South-East to embrace strategic political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The presidential aide said the region needed to reassess its political strategy in view of its electoral strength, national political realities and the development opportunities available through engagement with the Federal Government.
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He questioned whether a one-term presidency arrangement would serve the collective interests of the South-East, particularly in its pursuit of national political leadership.
Nkwocha also argued that the region’s comparatively smaller registered voter population made political partnerships with other geopolitical zones important to its long-term ambitions.
Nkwocha Urges South-East to Support Tinubu, Shettima
The presidential aide maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated its commitment to the South-East through infrastructure projects, institutional reforms and economic investments, despite the region’s voting pattern during the 2023 presidential election.
He cited the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, the reconstruction of major federal highways, improvements in transport infrastructure and other economic initiatives as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.
Nkwocha subsequently urged his kinsmen to support the Tinubu administration and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections.
“My boss, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is on the ballot. Please support the Vice President,” he appealed.
His remarks came as the APC intensified grassroots mobilisation in Imo State, with community leaders and political stakeholders at the meeting pledging to consolidate their political structures under the ruling party.
Imo Government Official Backs APC Mobilisation
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, recalled Imerienwe’s history of political organisation and grassroots mobilisation.
“We used to come to Imerienwe to learn how to play politics,” Onuegbu said, noting that Ngor Okpala had traditionally been recognised for delivering substantial bloc votes during elections.
He also commended Uzodimma for infrastructure development across Imo State, particularly improvements in aviation facilities that have enabled night flight operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
“Under Governor Hope Uzodimma, aeroplanes now land at the Imo State Airport at night. More good things are coming in the future,” he said.
Onuegbu expressed confidence in the community’s commitment to the ruling party ahead of the next general elections.
“Imerienwe will deliver all APC candidates in the coming elections,” he declared.
Community Leaders Pledge Support for Tinubu, Shettima
The Chairman of Ndi Nze Ngor-Okpala and Okenze Ngor-Okpala Ggburukuru, Chief Sylvester Okenze Obinna, urged community members to support Nkwocha, commending his contributions to the development of the area.
He called on the people to demonstrate their appreciation through unity and electoral support for Tinubu and Shettima in 2027.
“Our son, Stanley Nkwocha, has made us proud, and we must stand together to support him. The best way to appreciate his efforts and the opportunities his position has brought to our community is to remain united and vote overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the coming elections. We must show that Ngor Okpala stands firmly behind its own,” Obinna said.
Retired Air Vice Marshal Remigius Ekeh also stressed the importance of unity and strategic political engagement in advancing the community’s interests.
“Politics is both local and strategic. Strategic thinking must be used in order to make a success of our political ambitions,” he said.
Earlier, the Village Chairman of Umunakara Community, Ifeanyi Nwaiwu, announced that political leaders and supporters across seven villages had resolved to unite under the APC.
The villages are Umuchieze, Umukoha, Umundiukwu, Umunakara, Umunwoko, Umuodu and Umuokoji.
“There is no other party in contention. We are all collapsing our political affiliations into the APC,” Nwaiwu declared.
He also assured the party leadership of the community’s commitment to the mobilisation exercise, saying, “We will not shame you.”
During the meeting, the ward chairman presented requests for the grading of community roads and the installation of 50 additional solar-powered streetlights at strategic locations to improve accessibility, security and economic activities.
The meeting was attended by community leaders, women and youth representatives, political stakeholders and APC supporters from Imo State and other parts of the South-East, with discussions focusing on political participation, grassroots organisation and community development priorities.
Other attendees included APC Owerri Zonal Women Leader, Lady Tina Okere; APC Vice Chairman in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Georginia Onuoha; the party’s local government secretary, Emmanuel Ukachukwu Dubic; and its youth leader, Chinedu Uhuka, among other political stakeholders.
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