The controversy over the governorship candidacy is testing the credibility of the ADC in Kaduna

As political activity gradually gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election in Kaduna State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces what many observers describe as the most significant internal challenge in its recent history.

Rather than simply focusing on capitalizing on the growing public dissatisfaction with the decisions of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party is increasingly being asked to first resolve the lingering questions surrounding its gubernatorial candidacy and demonstrate its commitment to internal democracy.

The controversy followed the party’s gubernatorial primary, which initially produced Rt. Dear. Isa Ashiru Kudan as the winner. However, the results remain controversial following reports that the party’s National Appeals Panel reviewed the petitions submitted by the gubernatorial candidates, examined the available evidence and declared Mallam Shuaibu Idris Mikati, as the legitimate gubernatorial candidate.

The apparent delay of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in taking a definitive position on the issue has raised unease among party members and supporters, many of whom believe that the uncertainty could undermine the ADC’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers note that for a party that positions itself as a credible alternative to the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), unresolved disputes over the legitimacy of candidates could undermine public confidence and divert attention from policy issues.

Many supporters argued that retaining Isa Ashiru as the party’s standard bearer would be politically detrimental, especially considering the previous gubernatorial election.
Ashiru has competed for the position of governor several times.

After losing the APC gubernatorial primaries to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai in 2014, he defected to the PDP, where he later won the party’s gubernatorial ticket twice. Despite these opportunities, victory in elections is still difficult to achieve.

After each election, Ashiru filed legal challenges through the Election Appeals Tribunal and up to the Supreme Court, but neither changed the officially announced election results.

For some party members, the history of the election raises questions about whether presenting the same candidate once again will significantly improve the ADC’s electoral prospects in 2027.

Beyond its electoral record, recent political developments have given rise to further debate within the party.
Leaked audio recordings attributed to Ashiru have circulated widely in political circles. Some party members interpreted the recording as suggesting that the ADC was seen as a platform for achieving personal political ambitions and not as a political institution built on timeless principles and collective ideals.

Although interpretations of the footage vary, critics argue that the perception could influence grassroots people’s trust in the party leadership.

Political analysts argue that successful political parties are often strengthened when their leaders openly demonstrate loyalty to the party and commitment to the party’s long-term development, rather than viewing the party as a temporary electoral vehicle.

Reports of Ashiru’s meeting with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai also attracted attention.

While consultations between political actors remain normal in democratic politics, some party members believe the views surrounding the visit and the subsequent circulation of photos have raised additional questions about political judgment and strategy.

Critics argued that the decision to publicly share photos taken with someone facing legal challenges created unnecessary controversy, while others insisted that political consultations should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.

Questions have also re-emerged over Ashiru’s academic credentials, following allegations reportedly raised during the PDP gubernatorial primaries in 2019 by fellow candidate Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, known as Toy Zazzau.

While these issues do not result in legal disqualification, some stakeholders believe that the ADC should carefully assess any issues that could become a distraction to the campaign during what is expected to be a hotly contested gubernatorial election.

READ ALSO: EFCC charges car dealer over alleged N15.4 million fraud in Enugu

Meanwhile, public discourse in Kaduna State is increasingly focused on governance issues, including economic hardship, insecurity, infrastructure deficits and rising costs of living.

Many analysts believe that these concerns have created political opportunities for opposition parties, particularly the ADC, provided the party manages to present a united front supported by credible candidates and a clear policy agenda.

Mallam Shuaibu’s supporter Idris Mikati argues that he represents the alternative.

They described him as an experienced technocrat with the capacity to unite Kaduna’s diverse ethnic and religious communities while offering practical solutions to development challenges in the state.

His supporters further described him as intellectually grounded, forward-looking, and capable of building a broad political consensus in various parts of the state.

According to them, Kaduna needs leadership that reflects competence, inclusiveness and innovation, not just a continuation of familiar political contests.

Therefore, for ADC, the challenge is more than just choosing a gubernatorial candidate.

The party must show that it respects its internal processes and has the discipline expected of a political platform seeking to govern one of Nigeria’s most politically important states.

Some stakeholders have warned that failure to resolve the dispute quickly could trigger a protracted legal dispute that could distract the party throughout the campaign season.

Other cases show similarities to previous election disputes in other states, where unresolved party primaries ultimately impacted turnout and election results.

As Kaduna prepares for the next election cycle, many observers believe that the coming weeks will determine whether the ADC will emerge as a formidable opposition force or allow internal strife to erode the goodwill generated by public dissatisfaction with the incumbent government.

For many party supporters, this moment requires firm leadership, adherence to legal processes, and respect for the recommendations of the party’s internal appeal mechanism.

Ultimately, the decisions the ADC takes will not only determine its fate in the 2027 gubernatorial election, but also its reputation as a party committed to the principles of democracy, internal justice and political renewal in Kaduna State.

By: Enite Benjamin