David Mark Quits PDP After 27 Years, Joins Coalition to Challenge Ruling Party

A former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing worsening internal strife, unresolved leadership crises, and irreconcilable differences within the party. Mark, a founding member of the PDP since its formation in 1998, made his decision known in a letter dated June 27, addressed to the party chairman in his Otukpo Ward, Benue State.

In the letter, Mark expressed disappointment at the current state of the PDP, stating that the party has deteriorated into a shadow of its former self and has become a source of public embarrassment.

“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,” the letter read.

He recalled his long-standing commitment to the party’s ideals, especially during challenging times, including after the PDP lost the 2015 presidential election. Despite many stakeholders abandoning the party, Mark said he remained steadfast, vowing to be “the last man standing.”

“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 noted.

However, Mark lamented that the recent internal discord had eroded the credibility and cohesion of the party.

“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 stated.

The decision to leave the PDP, according to Mark, came after thorough consultations with his family, political allies, and close associates.

“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,” he concluded.

David Mark joined the Senate in 1999 and served as the Senate President from 2007. Representing the Benue Central Senatorial District, he held his seat for 16 years, being re-elected in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Notably, throughout his political career, Mark remained one of the PDP’s most loyal members, never defecting from the party—until now. His departure marks his first move away from the PDP in over two decades.

Mark was among a group of prominent PDP leaders who, on Tuesday, urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at removing President Bola Tinubu from office in the 2027 general elections.

The group also included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke; and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, among others.

In a communiqué released after their meeting, the leaders called on all PDP members and Nigerians to unite in building a broad coalition focused on national unity, democratic values, improved security, economic recovery, and a robust fight against corruption.