The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation, characterizing it as inconsequential and attributing the party’s 2023 presidential election loss to Atiku’s own shortcomings. PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, pointedly stated that Atiku’s departure was “good riddance to bad rubbish,” arguing that the former vice president failed to effectively mobilize the party and its supporters during the crucial election cycle. Instead, Atiku’s leadership, or lack thereof, according to Abdullahi, led to the defection or disengagement of key party figures, significantly weakening the PDP’s chances of victory.
Abdullahi highlighted Atiku’s history of leaving and returning to the PDP, emphasizing that this was not his first departure. He recounted Atiku’s previous exits in 2006, 2011, and 2014, each time involving attempts to secure the presidency on different platforms. This pattern, Abdullahi suggested, underscores Atiku’s persistent ambition and his willingness to shift allegiances in pursuit of power. The PDP spokesperson noted the loss of prominent figures like Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and five governors led by Nyesom Wike from Atiku’s 2023 campaign.
The PDP argues that Atiku’s failure to retain these influential figures demonstrates his negligence as the party’s presidential candidate. They contend that a more effective leader would have united the party and prevented these damaging defections, which ultimately contributed to the PDP’s electoral defeat. Abdullahi asserted that Atiku, recognizing the difficulty of securing the PDP’s presidential ticket for a third consecutive time, is now seeking an alliance elsewhere, a move the PDP views as destined for failure.
Atiku, in his resignation letter, cited irreconcilable differences with the PDP’s current trajectory, expressing disappointment with the party’s deviation from its founding principles. While acknowledging the significance of his time as Vice President and two-time presidential candidate under the PDP banner, Atiku stated that he felt compelled to leave due to fundamental disagreements with the party’s direction. He extended well wishes to the PDP and its leadership, but maintained his decision to sever ties with the party he co-founded.
The PDP, however, remains unfazed by Atiku’s departure, emphasizing the party’s institutional strength and its history of surviving the exit of even sitting presidents. Abdullahi expressed confidence that the PDP will continue to thrive, regardless of individual departures, and even suggested that those who leave will eventually return, highlighting the party’s enduring presence in Nigerian politics. He emphasized the PDP’s longevity as the longest-standing political party since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, underscoring its resilience and capacity to weather political storms.
The PDP’s response to Atiku’s resignation frames the departure not as a loss, but as an opportunity for the party to move forward without the baggage of a leader they deem ineffective. They portray Atiku’s exit as a consequence of his own failings rather than a reflection of any internal weaknesses within the PDP. The party projects an image of confidence and stability, asserting that it is not reliant on any single individual and will continue to play a prominent role in Nigerian politics. The PDP’s focus now appears to be on regrouping and strategizing for future elections, unburdened by what they perceive as Atiku’s political baggage.
