Hon. Abdulkudus Isah, a prominent House of Representatives aspirant for the Owan Federal Constituency, has officially defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking to the press, Isah explained that his departure was necessitated by a leadership vacuum and legal instability within the ADC. He noted that many supporters in Southern Nigeria originally joined the party due to the influence of “Obi,” and with the leader’s perceived shift, Isah declared the ADC “dead” in the region.
The timing of the move was fueled by administrative urgency, as Isah revealed that the registration window for the new party was expiring on the day of his announcement. This pressure prevented him from conducting a full consultative tour of his constituency, an oversight for which he offered a sincere apology to his supporters. Despite the haste, he confirmed that his core team, including ward leaders and campaign coordinators, were unanimous in the decision to seek a more stable platform.
Internal party friction and external pressures also played a role in the switch. Isah pointed to numerous litigations within the ADC that threatened to disqualify candidates before the general election. Additionally, he accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing tactics designed to block formidable opposition figures from participating in the electoral process, making the NDC a necessary “safe harbor” for his ambition.
The defection has already triggered a structural shift in Owan East, with Isah claiming that wards 3, 4, 10, 11, and 12 have collapsed their ADC structures into the NDC. He is also working closely with the leader of the ADC in Owan West, known as “Hero,” who defected alongside him. Together, they are finalizing the NDC executive lists to be submitted to the state capital in Benin, ensuring a balanced representation across the local government areas.
Looking ahead, the aspirant is focused on the upcoming NDC primaries, where he will face Barrister Tunji Aruya and Pharmacist Johnson Erayanmen. Despite the competition, Isah remains supremely confident, citing a “gentleman’s agreement” between Owan East and Owan West. He argues that it is the turn of the East to produce the representative, positioning his candidacy as a matter of both political equity and popular demand.
