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🇳🇬 Atiku’s Resignation Roils PDP, Sparks Realignment

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), confirming widespread speculation and marking his full defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In his resignation letter dated July 14, Atiku cited the PDP’s departure from its founding principles as the reason for his exit, stating:

“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”

This is Atiku’s second major defection from the PDP since 2014. He had left the party then to join the APC but returned ahead of the 2019 and 2023 elections.

🔁 Mass Resignations in Adamawa
Following his exit, ward and LGA chairmen in Jada LGA, Atiku’s home base in Adamawa State, also resigned from the PDP, signaling a larger movement of loyalists to the ADC.

⚖️ Makinde: “No Dent to PDP”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde downplayed Atiku’s departure, describing it as a personal decision:

“PDP is an institution. You have the freedom of entrance and exit. I don’t see ADC as a threat to PDP.”

Makinde made these remarks during a colloquium celebrating the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Oba Aladetoyinbo, Deji of Akure. He also reaffirmed the role of traditional institutions as essential to nation-building.

📜 Obasanjo, Attah Call for New Political Operators and Constitution
At the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the need for better leadership rather than a flawless constitution:

“No matter what you do to the constitution, if the operators remain unchanged, Nigerians’ welfare will be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness, corruption, and impunity.”

Obasanjo’s remarks were delivered by Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of The Patriots.

⚖️ Attah: 1999 Constitution a “Military Decree”
Former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah declared the current constitution illegitimate:

“The 1999 Constitution is not the people’s constitution but a military decree imposed without consent.”

He called for a return to true federalism, unicameral legislature, and reduced cost of politics. Warning of possible “irreversible fragmentation,” he insisted:

“Nigeria’s unity will only be preserved through fairness and justice — not force or fear.”

🧩 Summit Roadmap Outlined by Gbenga Daniel
Senator Gbenga Daniel, co-chair of the summit and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, described the gathering as a citizen-driven constitutional intervention.

He said the summit will address:

Restructuring the federation

Empowering traditional institutions and local governments

Resource control and fiscal federalism

Electoral and judicial reforms

National security and citizenship rights

Daniel pledged that outcomes would be presented to the Presidency and National Assembly, urging inclusive engagement from all sectors—especially youths, women, traditional and religious leaders.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna