Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has formally ended his long-standing membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming deepening internal divisions and leadership failures for his decision.
In a resignation letter dated June 27 and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Otukpo Ward 1, Benue State, Mark said the party he helped build has now become a shell of itself, beset by “persistent leadership crisis” and “irreconcilable differences.”
The letter, obtained by First News on Wednesday, July 2, was titled “Notice of Resignation from the PDP.”
It began, “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.”
Mark reflected on his commitment to the PDP over the years, saying, “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.”
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He added that he made efforts to rebuild and reposition the party, but recent developments made it impossible to continue.
“However, 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.”
The former Senate President noted that after consultations with his family and political allies, he had decided to chart a new course.
“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.”
Mark’s defection comes with his appointment as interim National Chairman of the coalition platform being built around the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, will serve as the interim National Secretary.