David Mark Quits PDP, Joins Opposition Coalition

Former Senate President David Mark has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a decades-long affiliation with Nigeria’s leading opposition party.

In a letter dated June 27, addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Mark announced his decision to leave the party with immediate effect. His resignation comes just as the opposition coalition adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its new political platform, appointing him as interim national chairman.

“You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP,” Mark wrote in the letter.

“Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing.

“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 said the party’s internal crisis and prolonged divisions forced his decision to exit.

“Recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule,” he stated.

“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy.”

Discussions around forming a united opposition coalition have gained momentum in recent months. Key figures in the coalition include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir el-Rufai.

Ralph Nwosu, founder of ADC, recently said that Mark “possesses the capacity to provide the required focus for the coalition platform.”