By Emmanuel Kwada
As Kaduna State grapples with widespread disillusionment over governance under Governor Uba Sani, attention is shifting toward the 2027 general elections and the potential role of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative.
In a strongly worded opinion piece titled “why the kaduna ADC state can not afford to field any other person than Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Kudan (Sarkin Bai Zazzau) as its gubernatorial candidate for 2027 general election,” Dr. AbdurRahman Usman argues that the party cannot afford to ignore the electoral weight and proven track record of Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Kudan if it hopes to capitalize on public yearning for change.
Dr. Usman paints a picture of a state where citizens are frustrated with what he describes as a “social media hype governance style” under the current APC administration.
He points to persistent challenges including the collapse of social services and infrastructure, youth unemployment, insecurity, and a perceived lack of tangible improvements in welfare despite substantial federal allocations, internally generated revenue, and loans.
The analyst draws parallels to the 2014/2015 political climate, when APC rode a wave of “change” to power both nationally and at the state level. Today, he contends, that hope has faded, creating an opening for opposition coalitions like the ADC formed by experienced politicians from various parties to position themselves as rescuers.
However, Usman warns that victory is not guaranteed merely by riding anti-incumbency sentiment. Dethroning an incumbent governor, especially when the ruling party controls the center, demands “political dexterity and sagacity.” The right candidate, he insists, is non-negotiable.
According to the piece, a winning gubernatorial candidate must possess: Political Sagacity: Keen judgment, foresight, and the ability to navigate complex political terrain, inspire followers, and build teams; Pragmatic Experience: A tested track record of electoral victories and legislative leadership; Broad Connectivity: Acceptance across ethno-religious divides, with the capacity to unify factions and attract cross-party support.
Dr. Usman asserts that Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Kudan stands out among potential aspirants in meeting these criteria.
Ashiru, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Bai Zazzau, served two terms in the Kaduna State House of Assembly (1999–2007), including as Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, and two terms in the Federal House of Representatives (2007–2015), where he was Deputy Chairman of the Appropriation Committee.
These roles, the analyst notes, placed him at the heart of budgetary processes critical to effective governance.
Usman highlights Ashiru’s vision for addressing Kaduna’s challenges: tackling insecurity, boosting youth employment through vocational and technical skills, rehabilitating primary healthcare (including facilities like Barau Dikko and the 300-Bed Bola Tinubu Specialist Hospital), improving education and infrastructure, and ensuring open governance with value for money. He argues that Kaduna, given its resources, deserves far better outcomes than currently delivered.
A central pillar of the argument is Ashiru’s electoral resilience. He has won general elections multiple times including back-to-back victories at both state and federal legislative levels.
In the 2023 gubernatorial race (then under PDP), Ashiru polled 713,174 votes, representing roughly 48% of total votes cast (1,496,535), falling short by a narrow margin of about 1,421 votes after what the piece describes as maneuvering by INEC and the ruling party.
Dr. Usman compares this performance to notable national figures whose influence stems from strong electoral showings and urges the ADC not to overlook such “tremendous goodwill.”
He contrasts Ashiru’s record with other aspirants who, he claims, have not personally tested general elections or won primaries independently.
The piece also cites the wave of defections that followed Ashiru’s move to the ADC in early 2026: at least one Senator, three House of Representatives members, four serving State House of Assembly members, plus PDP executives and others.
This, Usman argues, triggered a surge in ADC membership, underscoring Ashiru’s ability to mobilize supporters across the state.
Beyond numbers, Usman emphasizes Ashiru’s unifying traits. He notes Ashiru’s role as a key stakeholder during the “golden years” of former Governor Ahmed Makarfi’s administration and his capacity to bridge factions within the ADC while drawing support even from some APC quarters.
This broad acceptability, combined with over 700,000 votes already demonstrated, positions him as a strong starting point for the coalition.
The analyst dismisses the idea of fielding untested candidates for a “test run,” insisting the goal must be clear victory to remove the incumbent.
Rt. Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan is a businessman and longtime legislator from Kudan Local Government Area. He contested the 2023 governorship under PDP, challenged the results at the tribunal and appeal (which ultimately upheld Uba Sani’s victory), and formally joined the ADC in April 2026 amid PDP internal issues.
Governor Uba Sani, for his part, maintains that Kaduna is “a better place” today than inherited, citing improvements in security, infrastructure, and a performance-driven framework claims that continue to be debated along partisan lines.
Dr. AbdurRahman Usman, a vocal Kaduna political commentator with roots in opposition circles, writes from a clear advocacy standpoint. His piece is a direct appeal to ADC members: “Arise and Shine the Path for our victory… that starts with our choice of Rt Hon Isa Mohammed Ashiru…”
With ADC navigating its own national organizational challenges and congress preparations underway, the choice of a gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna will be pivotal.
Usman’s intervention frames the decision as existential for the party’s prospects in the state: field a candidate with proven electoral muscle, legislative depth, and unifying appeal — or risk squandering public discontent with the status quo.
Whether ADC stakeholders heed this call remains to be seen. As 2027 approaches, the debate over electability, experience, and coalition cohesion in Kaduna is likely to intensify.
Dr. Usman’s position is unequivocal: for the ADC to translate widespread yearning for change into actual victory, Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Kudan (Sarkin Bai Zazzau) is the candidate it “cannot afford” to sideline.
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