The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has downplayed the recent resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the party, describing it as neither surprising nor unprecedented.

Speaking with journalists on Friday in Bauchi State, Damagum reaffirmed the party’s resilience, stating that Atiku’s departure does not shake the PDP. “This is not the first time. We are expecting him (Atiku Abubakar) back,” he said, characterising the move as a political strategy rather than a final break from the party.

Atiku, a founding member of the PDP, announced his resignation from the party on July 14, citing “irreconcilable differences” and a deviation from the founding ideals of the platform. Although he has yet to declare his next political step, reports suggest he is aligning with a coalition of opposition leaders under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Atiku’s political trajectory has been marked by multiple party defections. He first exited the PDP in 2006 to join the Action Congress (AC), where he contested and lost the 2007 presidential election. He returned to the PDP in 2009, but after an unsuccessful bid for the party’s 2011 presidential ticket, he again left in 2014, this time joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he contested the party’s primary and lost to Muhammadu Buhari.

In 2017, Atiku rejoined the PDP for a third time and emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, though he was unsuccessful in both contests.

Damagum’s comments reflect the PDP leadership’s view that Atiku’s resignation follows a familiar political rhythm. The party, he indicated, remains optimistic that the former Vice President may once again return to its fold.