- Atiku described the PDP’s new direction as a betrayal of its original principles and founding ideology.
- The former vice-president thanked PDP for the roles it allowed him play, including two-time presidential candidate.
The former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku made his resignation known in a letter dated July 14, which was released on Wednesday.
He said his decision was informed by a deviation from the party’s original principles and values.
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter reads.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the party.
“Serving two full terms as vice-president of Nigeria and being a presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life.
“As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.
“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.
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”
Atiku appreciated the party leadership and members for their support over the years.
The ex-vice-president is expected to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the coming days.