APC Crisis Deepens in Kaduna as Ex-Senator Danjuma La’ah Dumps Party, Clinches NDC Governorship Ticket

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Kaduna State chapter of the ruling APC following the defection of former Kaduna South Senator, Danjuma Tella La’ah, who has abandoned the party and secured the governorship ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

La’ah announced his departure from the APC after expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party’s senatorial primaries, which produced incumbent Senator Sunday Marshall Katung as the candidate for Kaduna South Senatorial District. The former lawmaker alleged that the exercise lacked transparency and failed to provide a level playing field for all aspirants.

His defection marks a significant political development in Kaduna State, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where he remains a notable political figure. Shortly after joining the NDC, La’ah emerged as the party’s governorship candidate, positioning himself as a key challenger in the 2027 governorship race.

The APC, however, has dismissed allegations of irregularities, maintaining that its primaries were conducted in accordance with established party guidelines. Party officials described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible, urging aggrieved aspirants to embrace reconciliation and work toward the party’s electoral success.

The controversy surrounding the APC primaries has not been limited to Kaduna South. In Kaduna Central Senatorial District, former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, also raised objections to the outcome of the senatorial primary following his defeat in the contest.

Political analysts say La’ah’s exit could reshape political alignments in Kaduna ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as opposition parties seek to capitalize on growing discontent among some APC members.

With campaign activities expected to gather momentum in the coming months, attention is now turning to how both the APC and the emerging NDC will consolidate support across the state in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested political battle.