Isa Ashiru resigns PDP over internal crisis and defects to ADC, marking a significant shift in Kaduna State political landscape

Isa Ashiru, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Kaduna State election, has formally resigned his membership of the party, citing persistent internal crises and divisions.

Also read: Olumide Akpata Defects to ADC Amid Political Tensions

Ashiru conveyed his decision in a letter dated March 27, addressed to the ward chairman of Kudan Ward in Kudan Local Government Area, and later shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday.

“I write with a deep sense of humility to formally notify the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party of my decision to resign my membership… after careful reflection over the persistent internal leadership crisis, conflicts, rancour and divisions within the party,” he stated.

The move, captured under the Isa Ashiru resigns PDP development, marks a significant shift in Kaduna’s political landscape ahead of future electoral cycles.

Shortly after announcing his resignation, Ashiru confirmed his defection to the African Democratic Congress by posting campaign material bearing the party’s logo on social media.

A former federal lawmaker who represented the Makarfi/Kudan constituency in the House of Representatives, Ashiru has had a long political career spanning both state and national assemblies. He also holds the traditional title of Sarkin Bai Zazzau.

Ashiru previously contested the Kaduna State governorship under different political platforms. He vied for the All Progressives Congress ticket in 2015 but lost in the primaries before returning to the PDP ahead of the 2019 elections.

He later emerged as the PDP governorship candidate but was defeated by Nasir el-Rufai.

In the 2023 election, he again flew the PDP flag but lost to the incumbent governor, Uba Sani, who secured 730,002 votes against Ashiru’s 719,196 votes.

Also read: Senator Agom Jarigbe defects from PDP to APC

Political observers say Ashiru’s defection could reshape opposition dynamics in Kaduna State, particularly as parties begin early positioning ahead of future contests.