Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a letter from July 14 that was made public on Wednesday, Atiku shared that he is resigning, stating that this choice was driven by what he described as a departure from the core values of the party.

“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter reads.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the Party. Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life.

“As a founding father of this esteemed Party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.

“However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for. It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”

Atiku also extended his best wishes to the PDP and its leadership, expressing appreciation for the support he received over the years.

Alongside Atiku’s exit, all local government and ward chairmen of Jada Local Government Area in Adamawa State—his home state—have also withdrawn their membership from the party.

The former vice president is expected to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).