Former President of the Senate, David Mark, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party he helped found and to which he remained loyal for decades.
In a statement dated June 27 and personally signed, Mark attributed his decision to the party’s ongoing leadership crisis, widening internal divisions, and what he described as irreconcilable differences that have left the PDP a "shadow of its former self."
Mark’s resignation follows his recent appointment as one of the interim leaders of the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling his shift to a broader opposition alliance seeking to challenge the ruling party.
Mark’s Statement: “PDP Is Now a Shadow of Its Former Self”
In his resignation letter, addressed to PDP members in Otukpo Ward 1 in Benue State and shared more broadly with the public, Mark recounted his long-standing commitment to the party’s ideals even in its darkest hours.
“I bring warm greetings to you and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, to the entire Benue State and Nigeria. I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect.”
He recalled staying with the PDP after its defeat in the 2015 presidential election, when many party stalwarts chose to defect.
“Over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP. Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in 2015, I pledged to remain the last man standing.”
Mark said he had worked tirelessly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the PDP, crediting these efforts with helping restore the party’s relevance on the national stage.
“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 lamented that recent developments have undone these gains.
“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.”
Next Steps: Joining a Broader Opposition Movement
Mark explained that after extensive consultations with family, friends, and political allies, he chose to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria a platform that includes the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He framed the move as part of a larger mission to “rescue” the country and defend its democracy.
“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.”
Background: PDP’s Struggles with Internal Divisions
David Mark’s resignation highlights ongoing challenges within the PDP, which has been beset by infighting and leadership disputes for years. Critics have accused party leaders of failing to manage internal disagreements, leading to a string of defections to rival parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP, which ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has struggled to present a united front since losing power at the federal level.
Mark’s exit deals yet another blow to the party’s efforts to rebuild its ranks ahead of future elections.
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