Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has again stirred Nigeria’s political space with his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking the sixth time he has switched political parties since 1999.
In a resignation letter dated July 14, 2025, Atiku said his decision was based on “irreconcilable differences” with the direction the PDP was taking. He described the move as heartbreaking but necessary, adding that the party had strayed from its founding principles.
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged,” Atiku wrote.
The former vice president also thanked the PDP and Nigerians for the support he had enjoyed throughout his political career, which includes serving as Vice President (1999–2007) and contesting for the presidency on multiple occasions.
Here is a breakdown of the six times Atiku has changed political platforms and the reasons behind each move:
Th first attempt was in 1999–2006: PDP Beginnings when Atiku started his national political career with the PDP, where he was elected governor of Adamawa State in 1999 but was elevated to Vice President by President Olusegun Obasanjo. His influence grew during the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Th second attempt, was in 2006 when he moved from the PDP to Action Congress (AC).
A fierce disagreement with President Obasanjo over the 2007 succession plan forced Atiku out of the PDP.
He joined the newly formed Action Congress and contested the 2007 presidential election under its platform, but lost to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the PDP.
Third attempt was in 2009, when he moved from AC back to PDP.
Atiku returned to the PDP in 2009 following disputes with key AC leaders, including Bola Tinubu.
He contested the PDP presidential ticket in 2011 but lost to then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Fourth attempt was in 2014 when he moved from PDP to the APC.
Ahead of the 2015 elections, Atiku defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing lack of internal democracy in the PDP. Although he lost the APC presidential primary, he played a supporting role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.
The fifth attempt was in 2017 when he moved from the APC back again to the PDP.
Unhappy with the state of affairs in the APC, including unfulfilled promises and alleged sidelining, Atiku returned to the PDP.
He emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in 2019 but was again defeated by Buhari.
The sixth and latest attempt was this year, 2025 as he moved from the PDP now to the ADC Coalition.
Atiku’s most recent move came on July 14, 2025, when he resigned from the PDP and aligned himself with a new opposition coalition built around the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The alliance, which includes figures like Peter Obi and David Mark, is widely seen as a bid to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s serial defections have been a subject of public debate, with critics accusing him of lacking ideological commitment.
However, his allies argue that his moves are strategic responses to changing political realities and undemocratic practices within parties.
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