The Performing Nationwide Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, says former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the get together is neither sudden nor alarming — describing it as one more chapter in a long-standing sample of political shuffling.
Talking to journalists in Bauchi on Friday, Damagum downplayed Atiku’s July 14 announcement, wherein the previous presidential candidate cited “irreconcilable variations” and a deviation from the get together’s founding beliefs as causes for his exit.
“This isn’t the primary time. We predict him again,” Damagum stated, signalling confidence that Atiku’s defection is probably going short-term and politically strategic, reasonably than a ultimate break from the get together.
Abubakar’s resignation letter has stirred conversations throughout Nigeria’s political panorama, notably inside opposition circles, the place he’s reportedly aligning with a brand new coalition beneath the African Democratic Congress (ADC) forward of the 2027 common elections.
Nevertheless, Damagum’s feedback recommend the PDP stays unfazed by the transfer.
“We’ve seen this earlier than. Atiku’s political historical past is marked by comings and goings. It’s not a trigger for panic,” he stated.
A Historical past of Departures
Atiku Abubakar, as soon as a foundational pillar of the PDP, has a protracted and winding file of defections. His present departure marks the fourth time he’s left the get together since 1999 — every transfer typically timed with main electoral seasons.
His first defection got here in 2006 when he left the PDP for the Motion Congress (AC), in search of the 2007 presidential ticket. After his loss, he returned to the PDP in 2009, solely to exit once more in 2014 for the newly shaped All Progressives Congress (APC). He returned to the PDP in 2017, ultimately turning into its presidential flagbearer in each the 2019 and 2023 elections — each of which he misplaced.
Political observers say his newest exit mirrors earlier cycles, suggesting that he stays a free agent in the hunt for a viable platform for an additional presidential bid.
READ ALSO: Atiku Quits PDP, Cites ‘Irreconcilable Variations’
What’s Subsequent for Atiku?
Whereas he hasn’t formally declared his new get together, Atiku is believed to be on the centre of a realignment of opposition forces, lots of whom have embraced the ADC as a impartial platform for coalition-building forward of the following elections.
His departure may additional deepen inner cracks within the PDP, already grappling with management disputes and dwindling affect following consecutive nationwide losses.
Nonetheless, Damagum insists the get together is transferring ahead.
“The PDP is greater than anybody particular person. We are going to rebuild, we are going to reform, and we are going to compete,” he stated.
As political chess strikes proceed forward of 2027, Atiku’s newest transfer is being watched carefully, not only for the place he lands — however whether or not, as historical past suggests, he ultimately circles again.
