By Our Correspondent
The Southern Kaduna Political Forum has rejected the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship ticket of Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan and his running mate, Hon. Irimiya Kantiyok, alleging that the emergence of the candidates was influenced by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday at the Epitome Event Center in Barnawa, Kaduna, the Forum’s Convener, Comrade Boniface Ishaku Kambai, said the selection of the deputy governorship candidate lacked broad-based consultations with stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups and political actors across Southern Kaduna.
According to the Forum, the nomination of Kantiyok did not reflect the principles of inclusiveness, consultation and democratic participation, but rather the preferences of a few individuals.
The group alleged that major decisions within the Kaduna State chapter of the ADC were increasingly being influenced by a narrow political circle linked to El-Rufai, instead of transparent internal party processes.
It said the perceived influence of the former governor had created dissatisfaction among party supporters and political stakeholders, leading many people in Southern Kaduna to distance themselves from the ADC.
The Forum also claimed that many stakeholders and youths in Southern Kaduna had expressed reservations over Kantiyok’s nomination, arguing that despite serving three terms in the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Zonkwa Constituency, his tenure did not significantly advance the political and developmental aspirations of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area or Southern Kaduna.
It further stated that the Isa Ashiru-Irimiya Kantiyok ticket lacked the capacity to unite Kaduna State’s diverse population or effectively address the state’s governance and developmental challenges.
The Forum called on the people of Southern Kaduna to critically assess the ADC governorship ticket and reject any political arrangement that, in their view, does not genuinely protect or promote the interests and aspirations of the region.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, equity, justice, accountability and inclusive leadership, the Forum maintained that Southern Kaduna deserved leaders whose emergence reflected the genuine will of the people through transparent and democratic consultations.
The group also reiterated its opposition to what it described as external political interference in the affairs of Southern Kaduna, pledging to continue advocating for the political emancipation, unity and development of the region.
