Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again made headlines with his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on July 14, 2025, marking his third official exit from the party he co-founded in 1998.

In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, Atiku cited “irreconcilable differences” and the party’s deviation from its founding principles as the reason for his departure.

Publicly announced on July 16, 2025, the move has reignited debates about his political future, particularly as he now aligns with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku’s Political Journey: Exiting and Rejoining the PDP

Atiku Abubakar’s political career is defined by strategic party movements, largely influenced by his presidential aspirations and internal party disagreements. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Atiku has switched parties six times, including three exits from the PDP.

1. 1998–2006: PDP Foundation and First Exit

Atiku joined the PDP in 1998 as a founding member and was elected Governor of Adamawa State in 1999. Before assuming office, he became the running mate to Olusegun Obasanjo and served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007.

His fallout with Obasanjo—especially over the latter’s alleged third-term bid—highlighted internal tensions within the PDP. In 2006, citing a lack of internal democracy, Atiku defected to the Action Congress (AC) to contest the 2007 presidential election. He lost to the PDP’s Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

2. 2009–2014: Return and Second Exit

Atiku returned to the PDP in 2009 after disagreements with AC leaders, including Bola Tinubu. He contested the PDP’s 2011 presidential primaries, where he lost to Goodluck Jonathan, garnering 805 votes to Jonathan’s 2,736.

In 2014, citing again the PDP’s lack of internal democracy, he exited and became a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He contested the APC’s 2014 presidential primaries but lost to Muhammadu Buhari.

3. 2017–2025: Second Return and Third Exit

In December 2017, disillusioned by the APC’s leadership, Atiku rejoined the PDP. He clinched the party’s presidential ticket for both the 2019 and 2023 elections, losing to Buhari and Tinubu respectively.

Persistent internal conflicts, including unresolved zoning issues and post-election crises, led to growing frustration. On July 14, 2025, he announced his third exit, signaling a shift toward leading a new opposition coalition under the ADC.

In total, Atiku has:

• Left the PDP three times: 2006, 2014, and 2025.
• Rejoined twice: 2009 and 2017.
• Contested elections under four different parties: SDP (1993), PDP, AC (2007), and potentially ADC (2027).

Is This Exit Permanent?

Atiku’s latest move, his third resignation from the PDP, raises the question: Is this truly the final break?

His leadership role in the newly formed ADC coalition, launched in March 2025 alongside figures like Peter Obi and David Mark, suggests a long-term realignment. The coalition aims to consolidate opposition forces following a fragmented 2023 election (Tinubu 37%, Atiku 29%, Obi 25%).

Citing “irreconcilable differences” in his resignation letter, Atiku appears intent on forging a new path. At 78, many believe this represents his last presidential run, with the ADC offering a cleaner slate and ideological repositioning.

Moreover, the PDP continues to struggle with internal disunity, unresolved factional disputes (e.g., Nyesom Wike’s bloc), and strategic failures—all of which have fueled Atiku’s frustration.

Yet, given Atiku’s history of returning to the PDP, critics argue his loyalty is flexible. While the ADC has gained momentum, with defections from PDP and APC in states like Borno and Gombe, its electoral viability remains untested. The party secured just 81,919 votes in 2023.

Should the ADC fail to build a cohesive platform or mount a serious challenge to the APC, Atiku might consider another return, especially if the PDP regains stability.

While Atiku Abubakar’s political career has been marked by frequent party shifts, the context of his 2025 resignationsuggests a more decisive and possibly permanent break from the PDP.

His leadership role within the ADC coalition, combined with the PDP’s deep-rooted crises and his advancing age, points to a strategic recalibration. Atiku likely views 2027 as his final shot at the presidency—and the ADC provides a fresh platform for that ambition.

However, given his history of reversals and the ADC’s uncertain strength, only time will tell if this exit truly marks the end of Atiku’s long-standing association with the PDP—or yet another twist in Nigeria’s evolving political drama.

‎The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose of all charges in a high-profile N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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‎The decision, delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, marks the end of a seven-year legal battle that has drawn significant public and political attention.
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‎Fayose, who served as Ekiti State Governor from 2003 to 2007 and 2014 to 2018, was initially arraigned by the EFCC on October 22, 2018, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Limited, on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing.
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‎The charges alleged that Fayose received N1.2 billion in cash and $5 million from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, without using financial institutions, to fund his 2014 gubernatorial campaign.
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‎The EFCC further accused him of laundering over N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja through proxy companies, De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
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‎Additional allegations included retaining N300 million and controlling N622 million, funds he allegedly knew were proceeds of crime, as well as using N200 million to purchase a property in Abuja under his sister’s name, Moji Oladeji.
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‎The trial, which spanned nearly seven years, saw the EFCC call approximately 20 witnesses and present extensive evidence.
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‎However, Fayose’s legal team, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Kanu Agabi and Olalekan Ojo, filed a no-case submission on May 19, 2025, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.
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‎Agabi emphasized the absence of key alleged co-conspirator Abiodun Agbele from the charge sheet, weakening the EFCC’s narrative.
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‎He also argued that the prosecution could not directly link Fayose to the alleged crimes, noting that witness testimonies, including that of Obanikoro, failed to establish communication between Fayose and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, from whom the funds allegedly originated.
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‎Justice Aneke, in his ruling, upheld the no-case submission, stating that the EFCC’s evidence was insufficient to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
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‎“The prosecution failed to link the defendant to the alleged crimes in a manner that warrants this court to call upon him to open his defence,” the judge declared, discharging both Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited.
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‎The verdict sparked emotional scenes outside the courtroom, with Fayose breaking into tears and chanting “Winner ooo, winner!” alongside supporters.
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‎In a celebratory gesture, he was seen sharing a meal of amala and ewedu soup with bricklayers, a moment that quickly gained traction on social media. Fayose, a vocal Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, has consistently maintained that the charges were politically motivated.
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‎The EFCC, expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling, announced plans to appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.
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‎In a statement by spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and said it was studying the judgment to prepare its appeal.
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‎The EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had argued during the trial that Fayose’s use of proxies for property purchases and failure to use personal bank accounts raised suspicions, citing testimonies from Obanikoro and EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki. Despite these arguments, the court found the evidence lacking.
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‎The acquittal comes amid speculation of political interference, with reports on June 25, 2025, suggesting that the government was attempting to abandon the case.
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‎Fayose’s recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other PDP leaders, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa fueled these claims, though no concrete evidence has been confirmed.
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‎Fayose has publicly praised Tinubu’s economic stabilization efforts, urging support across party lines.
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‎This ruling adds to the list of high-profile EFCC cases against politically exposed persons that have been dismissed, raising questions about the agency’s prosecutorial effectiveness. For Fayose, the acquittal is a significant victory, reinforcing his status as a resilient political figure in Nigeria’s dynamic landscape.

‎The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has formally issued certificates of return to the newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors across the state’s local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs).
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‎The event, which took place at the LASIEC headquarters in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, served as the official confirmation of the public’s mandate to the incoming leadership of the 57 local councils in the state.
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‎The ceremony was attended by key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Executive, including the State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi; his predecessor and Chairman of the APC Campaign Council, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun; Party Secretary, Adeola Jokomba; Women’s Leader, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; and several other dignitaries.
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‎In her remarks, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, expressed appreciation to voters, stakeholders, and the over 45,000 ad-hoc staff for their commitment and active involvement in the electoral exercise.
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‎She acknowledged that there were initial delays in voter accreditation but commended the timely response of security agencies, which ensured the maintenance of peace and order throughout the state.
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‎“The certificates of return signify the beginning of a new era in the political journey of the elected officials, who are expected to serve the people of Lagos State for the next four years,” she said. Justice Okikiolu-Ighile also noted that the tenure of the new officials will commence on July 26, 2025, at the conclusion of the current administration’s term.
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‎Speaking with journalists, the Chairman-elect of Ajeromi Local Government, Akindikpe Olaleko Olu, vowed to build upon the successes of the outgoing administration, emphasizing a commitment to continuity and transparency.
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‎He announced the launch of a new initiative, Ounje Ajegunle, aimed at addressing food insecurity by distributing subsidized food to every ward on a weekly basis.
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‎He further pledged to maintain the council’s annual security summit and to ensure that all roads within the local government are properly tarred.
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‎Meanwhile, the Chairman-elect of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Lanre Sanusi, highlighted the poor state of road infrastructure—especially in FESTAC—as a pressing issue.
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‎He criticized the Federal Housing Authority for its failure to maintain the roads but assured residents that his administration would prioritize road rehabilitation.
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‎“We are excited about the outcome of this election. We have assured our people that we will continue to improve their lives. Road infrastructure, especially in FESTAC, will receive urgent attention,” Sanusi stated.
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‎The certificate presentation represents a key milestone in the local governance process, paving the way for fresh leadership and enhanced community development across Lagos State.
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