It’s official. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once again, throwing the Party and the nation’s political scene into another round of speculation and drama.
But for many Nigerians, this is not new. In fact, it’s almost expected.
Atiku’s latest resignation from the PDP in 2025 marks yet another chapter in what has become one of the most dramatic and persistent political journeys in Nigeria’s democratic history. A quest fueled by one dream: becoming the President of Nigeria.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane.
2006: PDP ➡️ AC
Atiku first broke ranks with the PDP in 2006 after falling out with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo over succession plans. He jumped ship to the Action Congress (AC) to pursue his Presidential ambition in the 2007 elections but was defeated by PDP’s candidate, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
2009: AC ➡️ PDP
After three years in the AC, Atiku made a U-turn in 2009 and returned to the PDP. The move was reportedly due to unresolved issues with AC leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Atiku ran for the PDP’s Presidential ticket in 2011 but lost to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
2014: PDP ➡️ APC
Not done yet, Atiku defected again — this time to the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, citing issues with internal democracy in the PDP. But again, his presidential ambition was cut short after he lost the APC ticket to Muhammadu Buhari.
2017: APC ➡️ PDP
In what had become a familiar pattern, Atiku returned to the PDP in 2017. He cited unfulfilled promises and alleged marginalization under the APC. The Party welcomed him back, and in 2019, he emerged as its presidential flagbearer — only to lose once again to President Buhari.
2025: PDP ➡️ UNKNOWN
Now, in 2025, following PDP’s dismal outing in the 2023 general elections and lingering internal crisis, Atiku has dumped the Party yet again. While he has yet to officially declare a new party, he’s been spotted in recent coalition meetings with Peter Obi, David Mark, and other opposition figures.
Their camp is reportedly eyeing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
As 2027 draws nearer, Nigerians are once again watching. Will the seventh time be the charm?