Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday, 16th of July, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former vice president, in a resignation letter obtained by WITHIN NIGERIA, thanked the party for the opportunities he had received in the past for serving two full terms as vice president of Nigeria and being a presidential candidate twice.
According to Atiku Abubakar, it is necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.
Recall that WITHIN NIGERIA in an analysis had earlier recounted how Atiku Abubakar challenged presidential results three times and lost all from 2007 to 2023.
A check by WITHIN NIGERIA shows that Atiku had left the PDP three times since the return of civil government in 1999.
Additional findings revealed that Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, has defected from one party to another five times in 26 years of Nigeria’s civil rule.
1st defection
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Congress (AC) in 2006.
According to reports, the Adamawa-born politician’s defection was viewed as a strategic move following his disagreement with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo over succession planning and the third-term agenda.
Atiku Abubakar of the Action Congress participated in the 2007 presidential election and lost to Umaru Musa Yaradua of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
2nd defection
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar defected from the Action Congress (AC) and rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2009.
His defection came after an alleged clash with the leader of Action Congress, Bola Tinubu.
According to reports, the Adamawa-born politician cited internal party conflicts and a desire to seek the PDP’s presidential nomination as reasons for defection.
3rd defection
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
His defection came after an alleged falling out with former President Goodluck Jonathan over factionalization within the party occasioned by the PDP’s August 31 special convention.
According to reports, the Adamawa-born politician cited lack of internal democracy, unfulfilled promises, and sidelining of party stakeholders, among others, as reasons behind his decision to exit the party.
4th defection
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on November 24, 2017.
His defection came after an alleged falling out with former President Muhammadu Buhari and key stakeholders in the party.
According to reports, he cited lack of internal democracy, failure to deliver on its promises or fulfill expectations, neglect of youth, and frosty relationships, among others.
5th defection
Atiku Abubakar has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
His defection came after an alleged falling out with the former Rivers State governor and current Minister of FCT in the party.
According to reports, he cited irreconcilable differences and dissatisfaction with the PDP’s trajectory as reasons for his defection.
As of the time of filing this report, he has aligned with the ADC, joining a coalition that includes Peter Obi, to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari’s APC in the 2027 elections.
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