Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Yesterday, the campaign organisation of Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan has denied the authenticity of a viral audio recording circulating on social media in which the politician is purportedly heard criticising former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allegedly saying he joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) because it was the only available platform through which he could pursue his governorship ambition. The conversation was also alleged to have involved retired General Zamani Lekwot.
In a statement issued by its Media Directorate, the campaign described the recording as a digitally manipulated fabrication intended to mislead the public, sow discord within the party and distract from what it described as the growing momentum of its campaign. According to the statement, Isa Ashiru remains a committed and loyal member of the ADC, insisting that his decision to join the party was based on conviction and a shared belief in its vision for the people, contrary to the claims contained in the viral audio. The campaign also dismissed comments attributed to Ashiru concerning El-Rufai and other prominent political figures, describing them as false and the product of a deliberate disinformation campaign aimed at influencing public perception.
The statement urged supporters and the general public to verify information before sharing it, warning that advances in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies have made manipulated audio and video increasingly difficult to detect. The campaign further alleged that the timing of the circulation of the recording was politically motivated and intended to undermine its growing acceptance ahead of future elections. It called on party members and supporters to remain calm, united and focused, maintaining that no amount of fabricated content or political blackmail would derail its commitment to issue-based engagement and its determination to earn the confidence of the electorate. The statement advised the public to rely only on official communications from the campaign for verified information concerning Isa Ashiru and its activities.
The controversy surrounding the audio comes amid a turbulent period in Kaduna State politics, with opposition forces positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Ashiru, a former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kaduna State in both 2019 and 2023, formally resigned from the PDP in March 2026 and joined the ADC. He subsequently emerged as the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 general election. His defection and emergence as the ADC's flagbearer have reshaped the political landscape in Kaduna, particularly given his long-standing rivalry with El-Rufai, whom he has repeatedly criticised in the past, including accusing the former governor of running the state as a "one-man show" and personalising governance.
The ADC has been positioning itself as a coalition of opposition forces, with prominent figures including El-Rufai and others aligning with the party. However, internal power struggles have also surfaced within the Kaduna ADC chapter. The viral audio, which appears to be an attempt to drive a wedge between Ashiru and El-Rufai's camp, may be part of a broader effort to weaken the ADC's coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the investigation into the origins of the recording continues, the ADC and Ashiru's campaign organisation have called for restraint and focus on the party's vision. They have urged party members not to be distracted by the fabricated content, emphasising that the true test of their commitment lies in their ability to present a united front and a credible alternative to the ruling APC in Kaduna State.
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