2027: Atiku’s exit won’t derail PDP— Makinde, Bode George

 Torchlight news.

2027: Atiku’s Exit Won’t Derail PDP — Makinde, Bode George


Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially withdrawn his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deep-seated differences and a departure from the party’s original ideals. He made this known in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State.

In the letter, Atiku expressed appreciation for the opportunities he had while in the party, including serving as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and twice running as the party’s presidential candidate. However, he noted that the PDP had veered off course and no longer aligned with the values upon which it was founded, making his continued membership untenable.

Atiku’s Third Exit From PDP

This marks the third time Atiku is leaving the PDP. He first left in 2007 to contest the presidency under the defunct Action Congress, spearheaded by then-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu. He later returned to the PDP, only to exit again in 2014 alongside several governors to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). After losing the APC presidential ticket to Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku rejoined the PDP and was its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

PDP Reacts: Let’s Focus on Hunger, Not Atiku

Reacting to his exit, the PDP downplayed its significance, describing it as neither new nor surprising. A senior official of the party’s National Working Committee told Vanguard in Abuja that Atiku’s departure should not distract Nigerians from more pressing issues like hunger and economic hardship.

“People are hungry, yet the media fixates on political defections. Has Atiku not left before? Did the PDP collapse then?” the official asked, criticizing the press for not prioritizing national issues over political personalities.

Efforts to get an official statement from the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.

Makinde: PDP’s Future Not Tied to One Man

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, speaking at an event in Akure, dismissed concerns that Atiku’s resignation would impact the PDP’s 2027 prospects. He described the party as a democratic institution where people are free to come and go.

“Politics is about interest. If someone no longer aligns with our values, it’s better they step aside. PDP is bigger than any individual,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether the African Democratic Congress (ADC) posed a threat to the PDP, Makinde said: “I don’t see ADC as a threat. Players change, but Nigeria remains.”

Bode George: Atiku’s Exit Reveals Self-Interest

Also weighing in, PDP chieftain and former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, accused Atiku of being self-centered and advised him to retire from politics.

“He’s shown he’s more interested in his personal ambition than national interest,” George said. “He’s had his time — as Vice President and multiple-time candidate. It’s time for him to rest and reflect.”

George added that Atiku should learn from the example of late President Muhammadu Buhari by stepping back from active politics and spending quality time with his family. According to him, PDP laws now make it impossible for Atiku to return and secure the party’s ticket again.

“He left before and returned. But this time, there’s no going back,” George concluded.

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