“ATIKU’S PARTY HOPPING PATTERN: UNDERSTANDING THE FORMER VP’s FREQUENT DEFECTIONS”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–ATIKU Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, has once again made headlines with his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This marks his third departure from PDP and his fifth party switch overall. Atiku cited “irreconcilable differences” and the party’s deviation from its founding principles as reasons for his exit.
Reasons Behind Atiku’s Defection
Atiku expressed his dissatisfaction with PDP’s current trajectory, stating that it no longer aligns with the party’s original values. He emphasized that his decision to resign was not taken lightly, acknowledging the significant role PDP has played in his political career .
Atiku’s Future Plans
Following his resignation, Atiku is reportedly set to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and potentially position himself for another presidential run .
Impact on Nigerian Politics
Atiku’s departure from PDP is expected to have significant implications for the country’s political landscape. His exit may weaken PDP’s opposition strength and intensify efforts to form a formidable front against the APC
Below, PUNCH Online revisits five notable times Atiku has changed parties and what motivated each move.
1999–2006: Peoples Democratic Party
In 1999, Atiku was elected governor of Adamawa State under the PDP. Before he could be sworn in, he was selected as running mate to Olusegun Obasanjo, who went on to win the presidential election. Atiku served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007.
1999-2006: PDP to Action Congress
Atiku left the PDP in 2006 following a fallout with President Obasanjo over succession plans. He joined the Action Congress to contest the 2007 presidential election. He lost to PDP’s Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
AC – PDP (2009)
In 2009, Atiku returned to the PDP after clashing with then-AC leader and current President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. He sought the PDP presidential ticket in 2011 but lost to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
PDP – All Progressives Congress (2014)
Ahead of the 2015 elections, Atiku again defected, this time to the newly formed APC, citing lack of internal democracy in the PDP.
He contested the APC presidential primary but lost to Muhammadu Buhari, who later defeated Jonathan in the general election.
APC – PDP (2017)
Atiku returned to the PDP in 2017, criticising the APC for failing to deliver on its promises and sidelining party stakeholders. He secured the PDP’s presidential ticket for the 2019 election but lost to Buhari.
PDP – New platform (2025)
Amid continued internal divisions, zoning controversies, and fallout from the 2023 loss to President Tinubu, Atiku has again parted ways with the PDP.
Though he has yet to announce a new political party, Atiku, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark and other coalition leaders have officially adopted the African Democratic Congress as the platform to spearhead President Tinubu’s defeat in the 2027 election.
(SOURCE: PUNCH EXCEPT THE HEADLINE AND INTRO)
