Battle-Tested – ADC Unveils Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kaduna

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has unveiled Barrister Irmiya Ishaku Kantiok as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The former lawmaker has been described as a “battle-tested” leader with the experience, competence and integrity required to help move Kaduna State forward.

Ashiru announced Kantiok’s nomination in a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, saying the choice reflected the party’s determination to present a team capable of delivering good governance and inclusive development across the state.

“Today, I proudly announce Barrister Irmiya Ishaku Kantiok as my running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial race under our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Ashiru said.

The ADC governorship candidate described Kantiok as an accomplished legal practitioner and a seasoned politician who had served three terms in the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Zonkwa Constituency.

“A battle-tested legal titan and former Kaduna State House of Assembly member for three terms for Zonkwa constituency. Barr. Ishaku Kantiok embodies the intellect, integrity, and resilience Kaduna State deserves at this time of its development. His courtroom victories and legislative service reflect unyielding commitment to justice, good governance, and equitable development, and fighting for the people even amid electoral storms that tested true character,” Ashiru stated.

According to him, the governorship ticket combines experience, vision and a shared commitment to building a more united and prosperous Kaduna State.

“Together, we will forge a united Kaduna State, where the rule of law reigns, youth thrive, infrastructure booms, and every zone rises. This is a ticket of experience, competence, and vision for a greater, prosperous Kaduna State!” he added.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that Ashiru emerged as the ADC governorship candidate in May after defeating other aspirants during the party’s primary election in Kaduna State. The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented the Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, secured 86,113 votes to win the party’s ticket.

Former Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Jafaru Sani, finished second in the primary with 29,580 votes, while Professor Muhammad San-Bello, Ahmed Tijjani and Shuaibu Mikati also contested for the ticket.

Ashiru is a familiar figure in Kaduna politics, having previously contested the governorship election twice on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was the PDP governorship candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.

In the 2019 governorship election, Ashiru lost to then Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Four years later, he again flew the PDP flag but was defeated by the incumbent Governor Uba Sani after polling more than 719,000 votes.

Following his emergence as the ADC candidate, Ashiru has been working to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He recently led reconciliation efforts among members of the party in Kaduna State, a move aimed at resolving internal disagreements and presenting a united front ahead of the governorship contest.