FORMER Senate President David Mark has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his 27-year affiliation with the party he helped establish in 1998.
Citing deepening internal crises, unresolved leadership struggles, and irreconcilable divisions, Mark said the PDP has become a shadow of its former self, plagued by public embarrassment and political stagnation.
In a letter dated June 27 and addressed to his Otukpo Ward Chairman in Benue State, Mark stated,
“I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect… I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP, even during our most difficult moments.”
He recalled his efforts to rebuild and reposition the PDP following its defeat in the 2015 presidential election, noting that he chose to stay loyal when others defected.
However, he lamented that recent developments within the party had rendered it ineffective and divided beyond repair.
“The persistent leadership crisis and internal divisions have subjected the party to public ridicule,” he said.
After broad consultations with his family, political allies, and close associates, Mark revealed his decision to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, a new alliance aimed at “rescuing Nigeria” and preserving democracy.
Mark’s move marks his first political defection since entering public office. He served as a senator from 1999 to 2019, including an eight-year tenure as Senate President from 2007 to 2015, and was one of the PDP’s most enduring figures.
His resignation comes just a day after he, alongside other PDP leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Sule Lamido, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, and Babangida Aliyu, issued a call for Nigerians to unite in a coalition to defeat the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections.
In a communiqué issued after their meeting, the leaders emphasized a renewed commitment to national unity, security, economic recovery, good governance, and the fight against corruption.