The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iliya Damagum, has downplayed the resignation of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, describing it as part of a familiar pattern.
Speaking on Friday at the Government House in Bauchi State, Damagum told journalists that the PDP is adopting a wait-and-see approach, expressing confidence that Atiku may return to the party in the future.
“Well, it is expected because this is not the first time and I don’t think it will be the last time. We are still expecting him any moment from now,” Damagum stated.
Atiku had formally resigned from the PDP in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State, citing irreconcilable differences with the party leadership. He also criticized the current direction of the PDP, claiming it had deviated from its founding principles.
In a related development, former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu also announced his resignation from the PDP, defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In his resignation letter dated July 17, Momodu accused the PDP of being hijacked by antidemocratic forces, both from within and outside the party.
“The party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight,” Momodu wrote. He described the PDP as a "carcass" that no longer aligns with his political ideals.
The PDP is yet to officially comment on Momodu’s defection.
These high-profile exits are seen as further signs of internal divisions within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
