Senator David Mark, a previous Senate President, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pointing to increasing internal divisions, an ongoing leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences as his reasons.
Mark was one of the founding members of the PDP when it transformed into a political party in 1998.
In a letter dated June 27, addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Otukpo Ward in Benue State and viewed by Channels Television on Wednesday, Mark expressed that the challenges within the party had diminished it into a mere shadow of its former self and subjected it to public embarrassment.
I extend warm greetings to you and the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Otukpo Ward 1, as well as to all of Benue State and Nigeria. I am writing to officially announce my decision to resign from the party effective immediately.
You might remember that throughout the years, I have stayed resolute and deeply dedicated to the principles of the PDP. Even when nearly all stakeholders left after our 2015 presidential election defeat, I vowed to be the last one standing.
"I have diligently worked to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party. Without sounding immodest, these efforts helped restore the PDP's national relevance and made it a preferred choice for many Nigerians," he stated.
However, the former Senate President expressed disappointment that recent internal conflicts had exposed the party to public ridicule.
"Recent events characterized by widening divisions, ongoing leadership crises, and irreconcilable differences have diminished the party to a mere shadow of its past self, exposing it to public ridicule," he added.
Mark announced his next political move, noting that he had decided to leave the PDP after thorough discussions with family members, political allies, and close associates.
"Following extensive discussions with my family, friends, and political colleagues, I have decided to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria. This decision is part of our collective effort to save our nation and protect our hard-won democracy," he announced.
Mark became a member of the Senate in 1999 and ascended to the role of Senate President in 2007.
He served as the senator for Benue Central Senatorial District for 16 years, having been sworn in consecutively in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015.
He is celebrated as one of the most steadfast members of the PDP, having remained with the party without defecting since 1998.
His departure from the Peoples Democratic Party and subsequent alignment with a different political party marks his first documented defection from the PDP.
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