PDP in Crisis: Atiku Denies Adopting New Party as Exit Rumours Grow

By Kamal Yalwa, June 21, 2025

A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that the politician and his group have adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their new coalition platform, amid mounting speculation about Atiku’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Demola Olarenwaju, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, clarified on Friday that while the group—Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG)—has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register ADA as a political party ahead of 2027, it has not yet been adopted as the coalition’s official platform.

“A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition,” Olarenwaju posted on X. “ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, and when the time is right, the public will be informed.”

Looming Exodus Sparks Confusion Within PDP

The development has heightened anxiety within the PDP, especially as prominent figures like former Senate President David Mark and former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal are reportedly aligned with Atiku’s camp and are expected to follow suit if he leaves the party.

David Mark is said to have presided over the NNCG meeting where the decision to register ADA was reached.

There are growing fears that the defection of Atiku and other top PDP stalwarts could severely weaken the party, which has already lost two sitting governors—Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past month.

While the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declined to comment, insiders revealed that internal divisions—especially over the role of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—have delayed the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and threatened preparations for a planned national convention in August.

Saraki Committee Tipped to Reconcile Warring Factions

With the party teetering under growing pressure, some members are reportedly leaning toward allowing the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate between the pro-Wike faction and Atiku loyalists.

Sources say the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming Anyanwu’s authority has bolstered FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s position within the party, leaving his rivals with fewer options.

Atiku Loyalists Defend Coalition Move

Reacting to the developments, Prof. Tunde Olusunle, a long-time Atiku associate, defended the former VP, blaming internal saboteurs for the PDP’s disintegration.

“The defections of two governors haven’t rattled the PDP as much as Atiku’s possible move. It just shows the quantum of goodwill he still commands,” he said.

Olusunle argued that the coalition being built by Atiku and others represents a genuine push for democratic reform. He added that with growing support from northern political heavyweights and a possible alliance with Peter Obi, the new platform could dominate both the North and South East in 2027.

“Atiku won’t compel anyone to leave PDP. He’s a democrat. But if Obi joins this coalition, it will definitely secure the South East,” he said.

For now, the PDP leadership remains silent amid rising uncertainty, as political realignments ahead of 2027 begin to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.