Resignation Letter Was Leaked, Not Released — Atiku Camp

Spokesperson of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has accused rogue elements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of leaking Atiku’s resignation letter in collaboration with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The letter, dated July 14, surfaced online on Wednesday, drawing criticism from Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who faulted its timing during the national mourning period for ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Keyamo also criticised Atiku for using a letterhead with Nigeria’s coat of arms, saying the former vice president had no official capacity to do so as he is not a serving government official.

Speaking on Arise Television’s News Night, Ibe said the letter was never meant to be made public, alleging that those who leaked it did so to undermine Atiku’s political future.

“People who never wished His Excellency Atiku Abubakar well leaked a communication of his,” Ibe stated. “It’s unfortunate that the minister of aviation, who should focus on aviation matters, would jump into the fray.”

He described Keyamo’s reaction as hasty and politically driven, likening it to someone declaring the cause of a plane crash before any investigation.

According to Ibe, the leak was a calculated move to embarrass Atiku, who is now part of an opposition coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 elections.

Atiku’s resignation from the PDP marks his third exit from the party since 2006, further fueling discussions about his political consistency and long-standing presidential ambition.