2027 elections: ADC candidate meets El-Rufai, intensifies strategy in Kaduna

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna state, Rt. Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan, has intensified political consultations ahead of the 2027 general election with separate meetings involving former Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, and the member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.

Ashiru, who met the former governor on Tuesday after hosting Bello El-Rufai on a courtesy visit a day earlier, declared that the ADC was fully prepared to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and provide what he described as a credible alternative for the people of Kaduna state. Blueprint reports

The meetings among ADC stakeholders come amid increasing political realignments in Kaduna and across the country as political actors begin consultations and coalition-building ahead of the next electoral cycle.

ADC candidate’s meeting with El-Rufai

Taking to his verified Facebook page after meeting the former governor, Ashiru who is the ADC governorship candidate described their discussions as fruitful, saying they had further strengthened the party’s determination to contest and win the 2027 governorship election.

Although he did not disclose the exact venue of the meeting, it was learnt that the engagement took place in Abuja.

According to the ADC governorship candidate, the meeting reinforced the party’s commitment to offering purposeful leadership capable of addressing the challenges confronting Kaduna State.

“Our conversation has only deepened our resolve. The ADC in Kaduna is not merely ready; we are fully able to dislodge the incompetent APC-led administration that has failed the good people of our state,” Ashiru stated.

He accused the ruling APC of failing to meet the expectations of Kaduna residents and said the state deserved leadership that prioritises justice, development and inclusive governance.

“Enough of the hardship, enough of the excuses. With unity, courage and the will of the people, we will rescue Kaduna and restore justice, development and dignity. Kaduna, 2027 is our year of redemption,” he added.

Praise for Bello El-Rufai

The meeting with Nasir El-Rufai came barely 24 hours after Ashiru received Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, during a courtesy visit.

Speaking after the meeting, Ashiru commended the federal lawmaker for what he described as visible constituency projects and effective representation at the National Assembly.

According to him, Bello El-Rufai has continued to demonstrate that public office should be measured by service delivery and the positive impact on the lives of constituents.

He said the lawmaker’s interventions have delivered tangible benefits to residents of Kaduna North and reflected a commitment to responsive representation.

Ashiru also praised Bello El-Rufai’s legislative contributions, stressing that effective leadership is defined by service, measurable achievements and dedication to the overall development of Kaduna State.

He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting inclusive governance, unity and sustainable development across the state if elected governor.

According to him, only a leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people can guarantee lasting progress and shared prosperity.

Political significance

The separate engagements have heightened political interest in Kaduna as opposition figures continue consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Analysts believe Ashiru’s meetings with both Nasir El-Rufai and Bello El-Rufai underscore ongoing efforts to strengthen alliances within the opposition and consolidate support across different political blocs.

The development is also viewed as another indication of the evolving political landscape in Kaduna, where parties are expected to intensify consultations long before the commencement of official campaigns.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains one of the state’s most influential political figures, while Bello El-Rufai has continued to attract attention through his activities in the House of Representatives.

Focus on governance

Ashiru maintained that his ambition is driven by the desire to restore public confidence in governance and improve the living conditions of Kaduna residents.

He argued that the people of the state deserve a government that listens to their concerns, promotes social justice and creates opportunities for economic growth.

According to him, unity among the people will be crucial in achieving the desired political change in 2027.

He reiterated that the ADC is building a broad-based movement anchored on competence, accountability and inclusive leadership.

2027 race gathers momentum

With less than two years to the next general election, political consultations have continued to gather momentum across Kaduna State, as parties position themselves for what observers believe could be one of the most competitive governorship contests in the state’s history.

Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release the timetable for the 2027 elections, political actors have intensified consultations, strategic engagements and grassroots mobilisation.

Ashiru’s latest meetings with Nasir El-Rufai and Bello El-Rufai are expected to fuel further discussions about the shape of the opposition ahead of the polls and the possibility of broader political collaboration.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kaduna State Government nor the Kaduna State chapter of the APC had reacted to Ashiru’s remarks accusing the ruling party of failing the people of the state. Should a response be received, it would provide additional context to the political exchange.