Former Senator Ishaku Abbo has officially resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former lawmaker, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District, announced his decision on Sunday, May 3, 2026, citing a leadership crisis within the ADC and conflicting court rulings as key factors behind his departure.
Reasons for Leaving ADC
In a statement, Abbo explained that the leadership crisis at both national and state levels of the ADC created uncertainty. He referenced a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the party's state congresses and a Supreme Court ruling that sent the leadership dispute back to the Federal High Court for determination. These developments, he said, left him and his supporters in a state of limbo.
“I am leaving ADC, not out of hate for the party, but to pursue our political aspirations because I carry the dreams of many people. Yes, I am a hope of a generation,” Abbo stated.
Joining Labour Party
Abbo, who leads the SIA Movement, confirmed that he has joined the Labour Party alongside his supporters. He expressed confidence that the move would allow them to contest the 2027 elections effectively. “Following the leadership crises that is rocking the ADC at national and state level more especially with the Federal High Court judgment that voided our state congresses and with the judgment of the Supreme Court that returned the leadership crises case back to the Federal High Court for determination, leaving all of us high on uncertainty, I, Senator Ishaku Abbo, as the leader of the SIA Movement, have joined the Labour Party alongside my supporters so we can contest elections in 2027,” he said.
Timing and Confidence
Abbo noted that the party switch comes with ample time to prepare for the 2027 elections. He claimed that 10 months is sufficient to secure victory under the Labour Party banner. His defection follows a period of intense leadership disputes within the ADC, which have escalated as the election season approaches.
Related Developments
In a similar move, former gubernatorial candidate Senator Binani also left the ADC to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Binani cited NDC’s commitment to structured governance as a key reason for her decision, adding that her political base facilitated the transition.
Abbo’s departure is part of a broader trend of political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with several politicians seeking new platforms to advance their ambitions.
