PDP Says Atiku Exit Was Not New, Hopes for His Return

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the resignation of its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, calling it a familiar move and expressing confidence that he may return to the party in the future.

Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum shared the party’s position while addressing journalists at the Government House in Bauchi. He said the party is not surprised by Atiku’s decision and is choosing to remain calm, noting that similar exits had happened before.

Atiku officially left the PDP on Wednesday, addressing his resignation letter to the chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State. He pointed to deep disagreements and dissatisfaction with the party’s direction as his reason for leaving. According to him, the party no longer represents the values on which it was built.

Damagum, however, said the party believes the situation is not permanent. He recalled Atiku’s past departures and returns, suggesting that this might be no different. He said the PDP is prepared to welcome him again whenever he decides to come back.

Atiku is not the only notable figure to quit the party recently. Dele Momodu, a former presidential aspirant, also announced his resignation and defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In his resignation letter dated July 17, Momodu accused the PDP of being overtaken by forces that do not respect democratic values.

He described the party as a shadow of what it once was, saying it had become unrecognizable due to what he called external and internal sabotage.

The string of resignations signals growing unrest within the PDP, raising questions about its unity and future direction ahead of the 2027 general elections. Despite these developments, the party’s leadership appears focused on stability and remains hopeful that prominent figures like Atiku may still return.