Leadership crisis forces David Mark out of PDP, joins new coalition.

Former Senate President David Mark has officially cut ties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a political platform he has remained loyal to for decades.

In a statement personally signed and dated June 27, Mark cited the worsening leadership crisis and deep-seated internal divisions as the key reasons behind his decision to leave the party. His resignation follows his recent appointment as one of the interim leaders of the opposition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the banner of a new coalition movement aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“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,” the former Senate President began in his letter. “I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect.”

Reflecting on his long-standing commitment to the PDP, Mark recalled how he chose to stay with the party even after its defeat in the 2015 presidential election when many key figures jumped ship.

“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 stated.

He further noted that his efforts to rebuild and reposition the party were pivotal in restoring the PDP’s relevance on the national stage.

“I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which, without sounding immodest, helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians,” he added.

However, Mark lamented that recent developments have left the party fractured and struggling to command public respect.

“Recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule,” he said.

He revealed that his decision to exit the PDP came after broad consultations with family, friends, and political allies.

“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,” the statement concluded.

Mark is now one of the prominent figures championing a broad coalition of opposition forces under the ADC umbrella, signaling a bold attempt to build a united front ahead of the next electoral cycle.