Former Senator Ishaku Abbo has defected to the Labour Party (LP) with his supporters, abandoning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid deepening leadership crises.
The former Adamawa North lawmaker announced his move via social media on Sunday, citing uncertainty following recent court rulings that voided the ADC’s state congresses and returned leadership disputes to the Federal High Court.
Abbo, who was removed by the Court of Appeal in October 2023 – which declared the PDP’s Amos Yohanna the rightful winner of the senatorial seat – said he had no choice but to seek a new platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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. I am the hope of a generation,” he said, apologising to those unhappy with his departure.
The former senator thanked the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, for facilitating the defection, and expressed gratitude to Nuhu Ribadu for his understanding and encouragement, despite their differing party affiliations.
Abbo also declared his intention to run for Governor of Adamawa State in 2027 and promised to soon unveil the Labour Party’s presidential candidate he will support. He urged prospective aspirants to register as party members before 10 May 2026, as required by the Electoral Act.
“A more secured, industrialised and prosperous Adamawa State is possible with SIA. Pray for me,” he said. In a dramatic closing, he added: “I am the one coming through the prophecy from God. You will not die until you see me as Governor. Only believe. I am SIA. I believe.”
Abbo was first elected to the Senate in 2019 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020. His latest move follows a turbulent period for the ADC in Adamawa, which also saw Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani) withdraw from the party.