ALGIERS, Algeria: One of Algeria's most powerful politicians has resigned his post as the head of his political party under pressure from political rivals.

Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister for much of the 2000s, announced Thursday he would resign from the post of secretary general of the National Democratic Rally.

Several powerful figures in Ouyahia's party, which is a member of Algeria's ruling coalition, have been calling for his resignation.

In his statement, Ouyahia said he was resigning to "preserve the unity" of the party.

Ouyahia was considered a likely candidate in the presidential elections set for 2014.