By Rafiyat Sadiq
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a decades-long association with the party. He attributed his decision to persistent internal divisions and unresolved leadership crises within the PDP.
In a letter dated June 27 and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Otukpo Ward 1, Benue State, Mark stated that the party had become “a shadow of its former self” and had been subjected to “public ridicule” due to its internal failings.
The letter, titled “Notice of Resignation from the PDP”, partly read, “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.”
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Mark recalled his longstanding loyalty to the PDP, particularly during its post-2015 election crisis.
“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 noted.
He also highlighted his efforts to restore the PDP’s relevance on the national stage, efforts which, according to him, have now been overtaken by widening divisions and deepening disunity.
“However, recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crises, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule,” the former Senate President stated.
Mark said his decision to quit the party followed wide consultations with his family, political allies, and associates. He also announced his decision to join the newly formed National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement.
He said, “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.”
Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, have been named as interim National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the emerging coalition, which is expected to operate under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.