2027 Race: Abdulkudus Isah Dumps ADC, Declares NDC New Political Home
A leading House of Representatives aspirant for the Owan Federal Constituency, Abdulkudus Isah, has officially resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), over shifting of political dynamics within the party.
Addressing journalists shortly after announcing his defection, Isah referenced what he described as the “Obi factor,” explaining that many supporters across Southern Nigeria were originally attracted to the ADC because of the influence and political direction associated with the movement. With what he termed a noticeable shift in that alignment, Isah declared the party politically weakened in the region.
He revealed that the urgency surrounding the registration deadline for the NDC played a significant role in the timing of his move. The aspirant admitted that the narrow window prevented him from carrying out extensive consultations across the constituency, a development for which he apologised to his supporters and political associates.
Despite the rushed transition, Isah maintained that the decision enjoyed the full backing of his political structure, including ward leaders, coordinators, and grassroots supporters, all of whom reportedly agreed on the need for a more secure and stable political platform.
Beyond the internal disputes within the ADC, Isah accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of deploying strategies aimed at frustrating strong opposition candidates and limiting their chances of participating effectively in the electoral process. He described the NDC as a “safe political harbour” capable of protecting his ambition and the interests of his supporters.
The defection is already reshaping the political structure in Owan East, as Isah disclosed that ADC structures in Wards 3, 4, 10, 11, and 12 have now aligned with the NDC. He further confirmed that he is working closely with the ADC leader in Owan West, popularly known as “Hero,” who also defected alongside him, to finalise executive lists for submission in Benin City.
As preparations intensify for the NDC primaries, Isah is expected to face competition from Barrister Tunji Aruya and Pharmacist Johnson Erayanmen. However, the aspirant expressed confidence in his chances, pointing to what he described as a longstanding gentleman’s agreement between Owan East and Owan West on rotational representation.
According to him, the current political arrangement favours Owan East to produce the next representative, a position he believes strengthens both the legitimacy and acceptability of his candidacy among party stakeholders and constituents.
