Former Senate President David Mark has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending decades of association with Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Mark’s decision was communicated in a letter addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Dated June 27, the letter became public shortly after the opposition coalition adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its unifying platform and announced Mark as its new chairman.
He stated that his departure from the PDP is with immediate effect.
“You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP,” the letter reads. “Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing.”
Mark highlights roles played
Mark highlighted his role in the party’s revival efforts, saying, “I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which, without sounding immodest, helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians.”
However, he expressed disappointment with the current state of the PDP, describing it as being plagued by “deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences,” which he said have left the party “a shadow of its former self” and exposed it to public mockery.
Following what he described as extensive consultations with family, allies, and political associates, Mark said he resolved to align with the emerging National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement.
He explained that the decision was part of a broader mission “to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy.”
Momentum around the coalition—which aims to mount a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027—has been building since the start of the year. Key political figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai are reportedly involved in the movement.
