Dr. John Ayuba, the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, has officially resigned from the party and declared his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ayuba confirmed the development on Monday during a phone interview with PUNCH Online and through a formal resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ungwan Gaiya Ward in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
In his letter, Ayuba cited a lack of direction and poor leadership at the national level of the PDP as key reasons for his decision. “It is with a heavy heart that I write to convey my difficult decision to resign my membership of our erstwhile great party,” the letter partly read.
He accused prominent party leaders of derailing the party’s future through what he described as “brazen anti-party activities,” particularly during the 2023 general elections. According to him, top-ranking PDP members failed to support the party’s presidential candidate, contributing to widespread disillusionment among loyalists.
“For the past three years, I have watched with growing concern as some national actors have mismanaged the party’s direction.
Their actions have left many of us demoralised, especially in the aftermath of the elections,” he said.
Ayuba explained that his decision followed “extensive consultations” with political allies and supporters.
He emphasised that staying in the PDP was no longer viable.
While expressing appreciation to the PDP for the platform it offered, including his 2023 nomination, Ayuba said he is now committed to the ADC’s vision.
His defection is the latest in a string of high-profile exits from the PDP in Kaduna and other states, as the party continues to grapple with internal divisions and fallout from the 2023 polls.