Challenges Ahead for ADC in Kaduna's 2027 Elections

As Kaduna State gears up for another governorship election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces a tough road ahead. The party must not only take advantage of the ruling APC’s falling popularity but also convince voters that it can lead with unity, strong leadership, and clear policies. Choosing the right governorship candidate will be key.

Unfortunately, after the ADC's primary election named Isa Ashiru Kudan as the winner, the party is now in a crisis. The National Working Committee (NWC) seems slow to fix the issues around the legitimacy of its governorship candidate.

The NWC has not resolved the questions over who the real gubernatorial candidate is. This comes despite the National Appeal Panel's report that reviewed petitions from other candidates and declared Shuaibu Idris Mikati as the rightful candidate. This situation worries party members and many Kaduna voters who see the ADC as a real option for the 2027 elections.

Supporters of the party say this looks like an attempt to force a candidate on them, one who has not done well in previous elections. They believe keeping Isa Muhammad Ashiru Kudan as the candidate might hurt the ADC’s chance to present a true alternative to what they see as the APC's failures. If these concerns are ignored, they won't help the party stand out from both the ruling party and the main opposition.

Many people think Mr Ashiru’s candidacy could be a big mistake for the ADC in 2027 for several reasons.

Firstly, Kaduna State is looking for leaders who have vision and skill. The state needs more than just a familiar face. It requires someone with new ideas, broad appeal, and the ability to unite its diverse communities.

Secondly, any party that wants to be seen as a real alternative must have leaders who can share a clear vision and show true commitment to their party. Recent events around Mr Ashiru have sparked a lot of debate.

An audio recording reportedly featuring him has made some party members question his loyalty to the ADC. In the recording, he seems to talk about the party as just a means to achieve his governorship goal rather than a group based on shared values and long-term growth.

If that is true, it raises serious concerns. Political parties do well when their leaders show loyalty and faith in their future. Candidates who see their party as just a stepping stone for personal ambition may find it hard to win over grassroots supporters who have invested in building the party.

The controversy has also included Mr Ashiru’s visit to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a key figure in the ADC’s political plans. While it's normal for political leaders to consult, some critics think that publicly attacking the ADC while cozying up to significant figures could confuse both party members and voters.

Mr Ashiru’s decision to share photos with someone in government custody has raised eyebrows and hurt his image. Was this a planned move to embarrass Nasir El-Rufai or just a bad political move?

Thirdly, Mr Ashiru’s track record in elections has become a hot topic. Since 2014, he has gone for the governorship position multiple times without success. He first tried for the APC ticket but lost to Nasir El-Rufai. Then he switched to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and got the party's ticket two times. Yet, he still could not win.

After each defeat, Mr Ashiru took the election results to court but none of his challenges changed the outcomes. Whether those results were due to election rules, party issues, court decisions, or other factors, the fact is that he has not achieved his goal after many tries. Many party members wonder if running the same candidate again in 2027 would bring a different outcome.

There are also questions about Mr Ashiru’s academic qualifications. Fellow ADC aspirant Professor Muhammad Sani Bello made allegations during the 2019 PDP ticket race. Mr Ashiru threatened to sue him if he did not take back his claims. So far, Prof Bello has not retracted his statement, nor has Mr Ashiru taken any legal steps. Regardless of whether the claims are true, the party should think about any issues that could distract it during what is likely to be a tough election.

As Kaduna approaches another election, it is clear that many people are unhappy with the APC government under Governor Uba Sani. Issues like economic hardship, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and rising living costs are hot topics. This dissatisfaction gives opposition parties like the ADC a chance to draw in voters looking for a real change. But to take advantage of this chance, the party needs unity, discipline, and candidates who genuinely reflect its values.

The ADC's biggest challenge is not just to ride on the APC's falling support. It must show Kaduna voters that it has the unity, solid leadership, and clear policies to lead effectively. Supporters of Shuaibu Idris Mikati believe he has these traits and is the best chance for victory in 2027.

They see him as a leader who serves the public without bias toward any ethnic or religious group, which many think is essential for a diverse and politically delicate state like Kaduna. Mr Mikati is also seen as smart, articulate, experienced, and forward-thinking. His supporters argue that he has the skills and innovative mindset to tackle Kaduna’s development issues while building consensus.

As voters increasingly seek real solutions instead of empty promises, these qualities are worth considering. If the ADC puts forward a candidate who embodies these values and offers real solutions to Kaduna's pressing issues, it could become a strong political force in 2027. But if internal conflicts and doubts about legitimacy keep making headlines, the chance created by public dissatisfaction might end up benefiting rival parties instead.

The time has come for the party to move forward. Kaduna deserves a candidate who brings fresh energy, not just another familiar face. Many supporters believe Shuaibu Mikati can provide that.

In the end, elections are about choices. The ADC must decide between sticking with a candidate who has failed to win or embracing a new face that can attract more supporters and give Kaduna citizens a real choice. Some might argue that late President Muhammadu Buhari tried many times before he succeeded, but he did not have the same mindset as Isa Ashiru Kudan, which is evident from the leaked audio.

In politics, there comes a time when experience must give way to renewal, when talk must lead to action. I believe that time has come for the ADC in Kaduna State. If the party wants to boost its chances in 2027, its National Working Committee should respect its own internal appeal findings about the primary elections. Ignoring this could deepen divisions and hurt the party at a time when many Kaduna voters seem ready for real political change. If Mr Mikati takes legal action, we might see a repeat of what happened in Zamfara State. A stitch in time saves nine!