A major political bombshell has hit Nigeria’s opposition landscape as former Senate President and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), David Mark, formally announced his resignation from the party after more than two decades of loyalty. Mark’s exit, confirmed in a letter dated June 27, 2025, signals one of the most high-profile defections in the PDP’s history.
The former lawmaker, who famously described himself as “the last man standing” after the PDP’s 2015 electoral loss, said the party’s deep-rooted leadership crisis and endless internal conflicts forced him to take the difficult decision. Addressing his PDP Ward 1 leadership in Otukpo, Benue State, Mark stated that the party had become a shadow of its former self and now suffers from public ridicule due to unresolved divisions.
Reflecting on his contributions, Mark reminded stakeholders of his tireless efforts to rebuild and reposition the PDP, especially during its darkest political moments. “I remained when others fled,” he wrote, adding that his commitment to the PDP’s founding principles had always been unwavering, even at great personal and political cost.
The former Senate President’s departure coincides with his appointment as an interim leader in the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition. This coalition, backed by other political heavyweights, aims to present a formidable challenge to the ruling APC and disrupt Nigeria’s current political status quo ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mark also disclosed that his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, political allies, and close associates, all of whom endorsed his new direction. He declared his alignment with the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, describing it as a patriotic response to Nigeria’s urgent need for leadership rescue and democratic preservation.
Pundits say Mark’s defection will trigger fresh realignments, especially in Benue State and the North-Central region, where he remains a political heavyweight. Analysts also predict that more PDP veterans disillusioned by the party’s internal crisis may soon follow suit.
As the 2027 elections approach, political observers are keenly watching how Mark’s new role in the opposition coalition will shape national discourse. His departure leaves a gaping hole in the PDP’s ranks and raises serious questions about the party’s ability to regroup ahead of the next election cycle.
