A leaked audio recording purportedly featuring the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Alhaji Isa Ashiru, has deepened fault lines within the party, prompting rival camps to publicly stake out their positions. The recording, which circulated widely on social media, allegedly captures a telephone conversation between Ashiru and an elder from Southern Kaduna.
Alleged Comments and Political Fallout
The voice in the audio reportedly criticises ADC national leader and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and suggests that joining the ADC was purely a tactical move to secure a governorship ticket rather than a genuine political alignment, according to Daily Trust. The speaker is quoted as saying, "We only went to the ADC to obtain the party ticket so that we could move forward. The PDP is already divided into two factions. Wike is leading one faction, while Tanimu Turaki is leading the other, and both sides are in court." The voice further characterised its association with El-Rufai as a matter of political convenience and described the former governor as having become isolated within the party.
Authenticity Unverified
The authenticity of the recording has not been independently verified, and it remains uncertain whether the voice belongs to Ashiru or whether the comments attributed to him are genuine. Ashiru had not issued any official statement on the matter at the time of this report. Attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful, and text messages sent via WhatsApp went unanswered, Vanguard reported.
Ashiru Camp Dismisses Recording as AI Fabrication
A senior ADC figure in Kaduna North, speaking anonymously as he was not authorised to address the issue publicly, rejected the recording as fabricated. "We don't believe it was his voice. In this era of Artificial Intelligence, anything is possible. They only doctored the audio to suit their attempt to tarnish Ashiru's image before the public," he said, adding that political opponents were behind a deliberate smear campaign.
El-Rufai Loyalists Rally Support
In contrast, supporters of the former governor convened a meeting on Sunday to assess the fallout from the leaked recording. A source privy to the gathering told reporters that the group resolved to stand firmly behind El-Rufai. "As loyalists of El-Rufai within the party, we met today to discuss the issue and to make it clear that our loyalty remains with him. We will do everything within our powers to protect his image in Kaduna State," the source said, noting that another meeting would follow to formalise the group's position.
Aisha El-Rufai Declares Support
Despite the tensions, Aisha El-Rufai, wife of the former governor, declared her continued backing for Ashiru as the ADC candidate. In a post on her verified Facebook page, she wrote: "No retreat, no surrender. Kicking and struggling do not prevent death. Audio, letters, videos whatever they are even if Isa Ashiru will deal with not only Malam El-Rufai but the whole family. I said it is only one term; there will be no reverse, God willing."
Ashiru's Political History
Ashiru has contested the Kaduna governorship four times: twice under the PDP against El-Rufai in 2015 and 2019, again under the PDP in 2023 against Senator Uba Sani, and now under the ADC. The leaked audio controversy adds a new chapter to his long-running political battles.
