Atiku Dumps PDP as Frustration with Party Grows Amid Years of Unfulfilled Presidential Ambitions
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a familiar figure in Nigeria’s presidential races, has once again found himself at a crossroads in his political journey.
Since 1993, Atiku has pursued the presidency six times under various party platforms, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Action Congress (AC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite formally returning to the PDP in the lead-up to the 2019 general elections, Atiku’s confidence in the party has waned significantly in recent months. His growing frustration is tied to what many close to him describe as the party’s persistent internal crisis and failure to reinvent itself as a formidable opposition force after its defeat by the APC in the 2023 elections.
“He’s increasingly disappointed with the direction the party is going,” a party insider revealed. “The leadership has struggled with post-election reconciliation, and the zoning controversy only deepened the cracks.”
Atiku’s disillusionment stems from what he perceives as the PDP’s inability to present a united and strategic front, particularly in the aftermath of a critical election loss. According to sources, he had hoped for more decisive action from the party’s hierarchy to rebuild and strengthen its structures nationwide.
While Atiku has yet to formally indicate his next political move, his deepening rift with the PDP leadership continues to fuel speculation about his future role in Nigerian politics. Read More
