The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as prominent party stalwarts including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark have officially defected, lending credibility to the growing concern over the party’s internal collapse. Atiku and his faction have now pitched their tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), after initially exploring options such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the now-abandoned All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

In what political observers describe as a major turning point, Senator David Mark was announced as Interim National Chairman of the emerging opposition coalition, following his formal resignation from the PDP dated June 27, 2025. Citing “deepening divisions, persistent leadership crises, and irreconcilable differences,” Mark lamented that the party he once led in the Senate for eight consecutive years has been “reduced to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule.” His exit underscores a broader exodus that has also seen other notable figures preparing to leave the party, with Senator Bukola Saraki, Chair of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, admitting publicly that “we haven’t seen the worst of the defections yet.”

In light of these developments, growing attention is turning to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, whose earlier decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was met with sharp criticism and political backlash. Observers now argue that the governor acted with foresight, avoiding a party in disarray and securing political stability for his administration. As more influential figures desert the PDP, calls are emerging for a reconsideration of the earlier condemnations aimed at Governor Eno—with many now suggesting that, in hindsight, he deserves an apology.

By Osondu Ahirika
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025

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