Major Political Shift: Isa Ashiru Exits PDP, Embraces ADC
In a significant development reshaping Kaduna State's political terrain, Isa Ashiru, the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) governorship candidate in the keenly contested 2023 election, has officially announced his resignation from the party. The seasoned politician swiftly followed this declaration by signaling his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Catalyst: Deep-Seated Internal Crises
Ashiru, known for his long-standing political career, conveyed his decision in a formal letter dated March 27, addressed to the ward chairman of Kudan Ward in Kaduna State's Kudan Local Government Area. A copy of the letter, which he publicly shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday, outlined the profound reasons behind his departure.
“I write with a deep sense of humility to formally notify the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party, effective from today, the 27th day of March, 2026,” Ashiru stated in his communication. He further elaborated on the driving force behind this pivotal move:
- Persistent internal leadership crisis
- Unresolved conflicts and rancour
- Divisions within the party structure
Ashiru emphasized that these entrenched issues made it “increasingly difficult” for him to continue active participation. He concluded by affirming the personal nature of his decision, stating it was “taken in good faith.”
A New Political Home: The African Democratic Congress
The suspense surrounding Ashiru’s next political destination was short-lived. Immediately after announcing his resignation from the PDP, he shared a campaign-style poster prominently featuring the insignia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on his Facebook page. This public display effectively confirmed his defection and new affiliation, indicating his readiness to continue his political journey under a different banner.
Ashiru's Enduring Political Journey and Influence
Isa Ashiru brings a wealth of experience and a significant political profile to his new party. Holding the revered traditional title of Sarkin Bai Zazzau, his political career spans multiple legislative and gubernatorial contests.
Legislative Acumen and Electoral History:
- Represented the Makarfi/Kudan federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
- Served two terms in the Kaduna State House of Assembly prior to his national legislative role.
His ambition for the state's top executive office has been a consistent theme throughout his career, marked by shifting party affiliations in pursuit of his goals:
- 2015: Competed for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket but lost in the primaries to then-incumbent Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
- 2019: Returned to the PDP, securing the party’s governorship ticket, only to be defeated once again by El-Rufai.
- 2023: Flew the PDP flag for the governorship race for a second consecutive time, ultimately losing to the incumbent governor, Uba Sani of the APC.
The 2023 contest was particularly nail-biting, underscoring Ashiru's significant grassroots support. Governor Sani secured 730,002 votes, while Ashiru garnered a formidable 719,196 votes, a narrow margin of defeat that highlighted his strong challenge.
Ashiru's move to the ADC is poised to ignite fresh discussions and potential realignments within Kaduna State's intricate political landscape as parties gear up for future electoral contests.