By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a bold political move aimed at reshaping the political landscape of Kaduna State, a coalition of opposition stakeholders, comprising members from major parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP), has begun formal consultations to reposition the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a formidable alternative in the state.
Prominent figures such as Senator Nenadi Usman, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Alhaji Shuaibu Idris Mikati are among those championing the initiative.
According to them, the ADC offers a credible and unifying platform capable of fostering democratic values and bridging political divides across Kaduna’s diverse communities.
At a press briefing held in Kaduna, the coalition revealed that it has initiated the process of domesticating the movement by establishing ADC structures across all 23 local government areas and 255 wards in the state.
“We are drawing from the experience of the national coalition model, where opposition leaders came together under the ADC platform.
“Our goal is to replicate that success here in Kaduna by consolidating all progressive voices under a common umbrella,” the group stated.
The stakeholders emphasized key guiding principles for the coalition’s success: inclusive decision-making, suspension of individual political ambitions during the negotiation phase, and equal treatment of all leaders, regardless of party affiliation or political background.
“No single person or party can unseat the APC and Governor Uba Sani alone. Unity among opposition leaders is not just necessary—it is the only path forward,” they declared.
While expressing optimism, the coalition acknowledged current challenges, particularly the absence of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, and his political associates, who are presently aligned with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“Though they are part of the national coalition, they have requested time to complete ongoing engagements, including the August 16 bye-elections, before making a final decision to join the ADC,” the group explained.
The coalition called on all opposition political actors in Kaduna to embrace a spirit of tolerance, cooperation, and sacrifice for the broader goal of uniting citizens and reclaiming democratic space in the state.
“We appeal to the national leadership of the Coalition and the Interim leadership of the ADC to ensure that the party in Kaduna does not promote or accommodate political actors who are discriminatory, self-serving, or lawless.
“Our collective strength lies in our shared values and the integrity of our platform,” the statement concluded.
As preparations intensify ahead of future electoral contests, the move to build a strong, unified ADC in Kaduna signals a new chapter in opposition politics, one that could significantly reshape the balance of power in the state.
