He described Kantiok as a leader whose professional and political credentials align with the aspirations of the party and the people of Kaduna State.

“A battle-tested legal titan and former Kaduna State House of Assembly member for three terms representing Zonkwa Constituency, Barrister Ishaku Kantiok embodies the intellect, integrity and resilience Kaduna State deserves at this time of its development,” Ashiru said.

The ADC candidate noted that Kantiok’s accomplishments in the legal profession and legislature reflected his dedication to justice, accountability and inclusive governance.

“His courtroom victories and legislative service reflect an unyielding commitment to justice, good governance and equitable development, as well as fighting for the people even amid electoral storms that tested true character,” he added.

Ashiru said their joint ticket would focus on uniting the state, strengthening institutions and accelerating development across all three senatorial districts.

“Together, we will forge a united Kaduna State where the rule of law reigns, youths thrive, infrastructure expands, and every zone rises. This is a ticket of experience, competence and vision for a greater and more prosperous Kaduna State,” he said.

He called on residents of the state and supporters of the ADC to rally behind the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence that the party’s agenda would deliver inclusive governance, sustainable development and renewed hope for the people of Kaduna State.

Kwankwaso explained that the coalition’s power-sharing understanding was founded on mutual trust among its members and an agreement on how political power should be rotated.

He argued that the arrangement would allow the southern part of the country to complete what the coalition considers an eight-year presidential cycle before power shifts.

“We believe the southern part of the country should complete its second term and, with that, and to the hearing of everybody in this country, I don’t believe any gentleman would want to renege, would want to say no or change his or her mind,” he stated.

Kwankwaso maintained that Obi’s one-term commitment was not merely a personal declaration but formed part of the broader understanding among members of the political alliance.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate also said the coalition had gone beyond discussions about individuals and political blocs by developing a common governance programme.

According to him, the alliance has drawn up short-, medium- and long-term plans that would guide the administration if the party wins the 2027 presidential election.

“More importantly, we have collectively gotten a short-term, medium-term and, of course, long-term plan for this country. It does not matter whether it is him from the Obidient side, or my humble self from the Kwankwasiyya side or another side, we believe we have an agenda,” he said.

He added that the coalition’s priority was to ensure that subsequent leaders remained committed to the agreed programme irrespective of their political background or support base.

“That agenda, we will as much as possible ensure that whoever comes, maybe Peter, maybe me or any other person, would stick to that programme,” he added.

Kwankwaso stressed that continuity of the coalition’s policies would remain important beyond the tenure of any individual President, insisting that the NDC’s objective was to build a governance framework capable of surviving changes in leadership.

“He remains a committed member of the APC and continues to hold the President and National Leader of the party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the highest regard as his political mentor,” the statement said.

The former minister also reaffirmed his confidence in the APC leadership and pledged to abide by legitimate decisions taken by the party.

It added, “Chief Adelabu believes in the party, respects its leadership, and remains committed to the democratic process. Given his well-known decency and integrity in politics, he is always prepared to respect the legitimate decisions of the party’s national leadership.”

Adelabu urged members of the public and his supporters to disregard the defection reports, describing them as an attempt to create unnecessary political confusion.

-Source: Politics Nigeria