Atiku Abubakar: Nigeria’s Political Nomad? A Full Timeline of His Party Switches (1989–2025)

 Atiku Abubakar: Nigeria’s Political Nomad? A Full Timeline of His Party Switches (1989–2025)

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and perennial presidential contender, has become almost as famous for his party switches as his electoral ambitions. 

From the early days of the Third Republic to the formation of a new opposition front in 2025, Atiku’s political journey mirrors Nigeria’s turbulent party landscape marked by shifting alliances, leadership tussles, and relentless ambition.

 Here's a full breakdown of every major party defection, why he switched, and what it meant at the time. 👇

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1989–1993: Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN) → Social Democratic Party (SDP)

1989: Began political career as National Vice-Chairman of PFN under Shehu Musa Yar'Adua.

1990–1991: Contested SDP primaries for Gongola State governor; won but was disqualified.

1993: Contested SDP presidential primaries; finished third behind MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe.

Context: PFN merged into SDP after military deregistration of political associations.

1998–2006: Joins Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

1998: Joined PDP as Nigeria transitioned to civilian rule.

1999: Elected Governor of Adamawa, but became Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo.

1999–2007: Served two terms as Vice President.

2006: Defects from PDP → Action Congress (AC, later ACN)

Reason: Fallout with Obasanjo over the failed "Third Term Agenda" and succession plans.

2007: Became AC presidential candidate; finished third in the election.

Challenge: Faced disqualification attempts by INEC; Supreme Court ruled in his favor.

2009–2010: Returns to PDP

Reason: Rift with AC leadership, especially Bola Tinubu.

2010: Announced presidential ambition, became Northern Consensus Candidate.

2011: Lost PDP primaries to President Goodluck Jonathan.

2013–2014: Defects from PDP → All Progressives Congress (APC)

2013–2014: Left PDP citing lack of internal democracy and Jonathan’s leadership failures.

2014: Contested APC presidential primaries; came third behind Muhammadu Buhari.

2017: Leaves APC → Returns to PDP

November 24, 2017: Resigned from APC, citing marginalization and policy failures.

December 3, 2017: Rejoined PDP.

2019 & 2023: Became PDP’s presidential candidate both years; lost to Buhari and Tinubu respectively.

2025: Defects from PDP → African Democratic Congress (ADC)

July 14, 2025: Resigned from PDP, citing:

Irreconcilable internal divisions

Zoning disputes

Fallout with key figures like Nyesom Wike

Departure from PDP’s founding ideals

Joined ADC, forming a new opposition alliance with Peter Obi and others to challenge Tinubu in 2027.

Reaction: APC called it a "predictable act of desperation.