Ex-Governor Resigns from PDP, Defects to ADC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Kaduna State election, Isa Ashiru, has formally resigned his membership from the party. Ashiru conveyed his decision in a resignation letter dated March 27 and addressed to the ward chairman of Kudan Ward in Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A copy of the letter was shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday. In the letter, he explained that his decision followed “careful reflection on the state of affairs within the party.”

“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. “After careful reflection over the persistent internal leadership crisis, conflicts, rancour and divisions within the party, it has become increasingly difficult for me to continue to participate actively as a member of the party Later on Monday, Ashiru confirmed his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by posting a campaign-style image of himself bearing the party’s logo on his Facebook page. Ashiru, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Bai Zazzau, is a seasoned politician with experience at both state and national levels. He previously represented the Makarfi/Kudan constituency in the House of Representatives and also served two terms in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

His political journey has seen him move across party lines. He contested against former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 but lost in the primaries. He later returned to the PDP ahead of the 2019 general elections. Ashiru emerged as the PDP governorship candidate but was defeated by El-Rufai. He contested again in 2023 under the PDP but lost to APC’s Governor Uba Sani. In that election, Uba Sani secured 730,002 votes, while Ashiru polled 719,196 votes in a closely contested race. His resignation adds to the growing list of defections from the PDP amid its ongoing internal crisis, as political alignments continue to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

What you should know

Isa Ashiru’s defection from the PDP to the ADC reflects the deepening internal crisis within the opposition party. His move adds momentum to the ADC, which is increasingly becoming a rallying platform for opposition figures ahead of 2027. With several high-profile defections and alliances forming, Nigeria’s political landscape is undergoing a major realignment. Ashiru’s influence in Kaduna politics could strengthen the ADC’s position in the state, especially as parties begin early positioning for the next general elections.