Former Senate President David Mark has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deepening internal divisions, a prolonged leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences within the party.
Mark, a founding member of the PDP since its inception in 1998, announced his departure in a letter dated June 27, addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Otukpo Ward in Benue State. The letter, obtained by The Telegraph, expressed deep disappointment over the party’s current state.
“The PDP has, sadly, become a shadow of its former self—plagued by internal strife and exposed to public ridicule,” Mark wrote. “Despite my long-standing commitment and efforts to rebuild and reposition the party, it is clear that the divisions are now beyond reconciliation.”
He emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the PDP over the years, even during its most challenging times. “I remained committed to the ideals of the PDP, even when many stakeholders left after the 2015 presidential loss. I was determined to be the last man standing.”
Mark noted that he took the decision to leave after wide consultations with family, political associates, and allies. He also announced his next move: joining the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, aimed at building a broad-based alliance to “rescue the nation and protect our hard-earned democracy.”
David Mark served as senator representing Benue South from 1999 to 2019, holding the position of Senate President from 2007 to 2015. Throughout his 20-year political career, he remained one of the PDP’s most loyal figures, never defecting from the party—until now.
His resignation marks his first formal departure from the PDP in over two decades.
The announcement comes a day after Mark joined a group of senior PDP leaders—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Sule Lamido, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, and Babangida Aliyu—who called for a united opposition front to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
In a joint communiqué, the group urged all Nigerians and opposition parties to unite in a broad coalition committed to national unity, economic recovery, democracy, security, and the fight against corruption.
