Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), bringing to an end a decades-long relationship with the party he helped to establish.

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of PDP’s Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Atiku stated that his resignation takes immediate effect. While expressing deep appreciation for the opportunities he received under the party’s platform, including serving as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and twice emerging as its presidential candidate, he noted that recent developments within the party no longer align with its original values.

“As a founding father of this esteemed Party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision,” he wrote. “However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.”

Atiku described his decision as a difficult but necessary one, citing irreconcilable differences between his personal convictions and the direction the PDP has recently taken. Despite his exit, he extended best wishes to the party’s leadership and future efforts.

His departure is expected to significantly impact Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, with speculation already building over his next political move.