In a major political development, former Senate President David Mark has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a long-standing affiliation with the party he helped build from the ground up.
David Mark, who played a critical role in shaping the PDP since its formation, announced his departure in a letter dated June 27, addressed to the party’s leadership at Otukpo Ward 1, Benue State. This move follows his recent appointment as one of the interim leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition-backed party, and is widely seen as a major shift in Nigeria’s political realignment.
According to David Mark, his decision was driven by deep frustrations with the state of the PDP.
“The irreconcilable differences in the PDP have subjected the party to public ridicule and reduced it to a shadow of its former self,” he wrote.
In his letter, Mark looked back on his long and loyal journey within the PDP.
“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.
You may recall that 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 the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing.”
He added that his dedication to rebuilding the PDP was unwavering in the aftermath of its electoral defeat.
“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,” he noted.
However, he lamented that worsening internal divisions and unresolved leadership struggles had brought the party to its knees.
“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 said.
David Mark emphasized that his resignation was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but came after serious consultations with those closest to him.
“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,” he declared.
David Mark’s departure is a significant loss for the PDP and a potential gain for the emerging opposition movement. As Nigeria inches toward another electoral cycle, his move could spark further realignments and deepen the conversation around political accountability and party reform.
