FLASH POINT

By Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, Kaduna-Nigeria

As the race for the 2027 Kaduna state gubernatorial primary election gathers momentum within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a group under the auspices of ADC Muhaska Youths Forum, has called on party members to elect Hon. Isa Ashiru As the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general elections.

The group described Ashiru as the most experienced and sellable aspirant among all those currently showing interest in the contest, adding that Ashiru’s acceptability cut across the three zones of the state.

This was contained in a statement issued and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Kaduna by the Chairman of the group, Yusuf Gidan Hadi where he emphasized that elections are won through structure, experience, acceptability, grassroots connection, and proven political capacity.

In the statement, the group further explained that, on all these counts, Isa Ashiru stands far above the other aspirants within the ADC fold, adding that in the coming elections, ADC needs a candidate with tested popularity, and not experimental politics.

According to the group, “Rt. Hon. Isah Ashiru is not a newcomer in Kaduna politics. He served as a Member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and later as a Member of the House of Representatives. Beyond that, he has contested for the governorship of Kaduna State three times, making him one of the most experienced opposition figures in the state today.

“More importantly, Ashiru possesses what many others lack, an existing political structure across the 23 local governments of Kaduna State. His supporters, loyalists, and grassroots mobilizers remain active and battle-tested. In every election cycle, he has demonstrated strong political relevance and statewide acceptance.

“Many political observers still believe that Isah Ashiru performed exceptionally well during the 2023 gubernatorial election against Senator Uba Sani. Some even maintain that the election outcome did not truly reflect the wishes of many Kaduna voters. Today, with the changing political realities in Kaduna State and the visible cracks within the ruling camp, the possibility of a stronger comeback for Ashiru in 2027 appears even more realistic.

“The current political dynamics that clearly shows how former Governor Nasir El-Rufai is no longer politically aligned with Governor Uba Sani, but closer to the opposition movement where Ashiru is playing a leading role. This development alone changes the equation ahead of 2027 and strengthens the chances of ADC, if the party presents its strongest candidate.”

The group therefore called on other aspirants to put their weights behind Ashiru, while urging them to place the collective interest of ADC above personal ambition.

“Supporting Isah Ashiru would not diminish their political relevance; instead, it would strengthen the party and position ADC as a united force capable of defeating the APC in Kaduna State, ” the group emphasized.