One-time Kaduna PDP gubernatorial hopeful Ashiru defects to ADC

Isa Ashiru, the Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate in the 2023 Kaduna State election, has submitted his formal resignation as a member of the party, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance.

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This move was conveyed through a letter dated March 27, which was addressed to the ward chairman of Kudan Ward in Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and later shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday.

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Ashiru's letter revealed that his decision to resign was made after a period of careful consideration, prompted by the internal conflicts and divisions within the party that have persisted over time.

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In his letter, Ashiru expressed his decision to leave the party, stating that he was resigning his membership, effective March 27, 2026, due to the party's persistent internal leadership crisis, conflicts, and divisions.

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He emphasized that this decision was personal and made in good faith, following a thorough reflection on the state of the party and his ability to continue as an active member.

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Following his resignation announcement, Ashiru shared a campaign-style poster on his Facebook page, featuring the insignia of the African Democratic Congress, hinting at his potential move to the party.

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Ashiru, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Bai Zazzau, has a notable political background, having previously served as a representative of the Makarfi/Kudan federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

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Prior to his time in the National Assembly, Ashiru spent two terms in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, gaining valuable experience in the legislative sphere.

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His political career has been marked by contests under different party platforms, including the All Progressives Congress, where he sought the governorship ticket in 2015 but lost to Nasir El-Rufai in the primaries.

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Ashiru later rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2019 elections, emerging as the party's governorship candidate, but ultimately lost to El-Rufai.

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In the 2023 governorship race, Ashiru again represented the PDP, but was defeated by Uba Sani of the APC, who secured 730,002 votes, narrowly surpassing Ashiru's 719,196 votes.