Beatrice Gondyi
Former Senator Ishaku Abbo, who once represented Adamawa North, has officially defected to the Labour Party (LP) along with his supporters, abandoning the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former lawmaker announced his defection in a statement issued on his social media accounts on Sunday morning, citing the leadership crises rocking the ADC at both national and state levels.
Abbo, who was sacked by the Court of Appeal in October 2023 which declared the PDP’s Amos Yohanna the rightful winner of the Adamawa North Senatorial seat , said the uncertainty created by recent court rulings left him with no choice but to seek a new platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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, the national leader of the SIA Movement, a deeply rooted grassroots movement, have today joined the Labour Party alongside my supporters so we can contest elections in 2027,” the statement read.
Abbo apologised to those unhappy with his move, saying he holds deep respect for his friends in the ADC.
“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,” he said.
The former senator acknowledged that he had forgiven those who deliberately hurt him while he was building the ADC with his sweat, influence, and resources, adding, “I will always remember your names.
“In his statement, Abbo thanked the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, for making the defection possible and for his support. He also expressed gratitude to Nuhu Ribadu for his understanding and words of encouragement, despite their not being in the same party.
Abbo disclosed that he would soon unveil the presidential candidate he intends to support in the 2027 presidential election, in close collaboration with the Labour Party. He also declared his intent to run for Governor of Adamawa State.
He called on those who wish to run under the Labour Party platform with him to register as members, in line with the Electoral Act, which mandates all aspirants to be members of a political party before 10/5/2026.Declaring his ambition, the former senator said: “A more secured, industrialized and prosperous Adamawa State is possible with SIA.
Pray for me, spread the message, and let us work hard because today, the journey has started.”In a dramatic conclusion to his statement, Abbo declared: “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 platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before defecting to the All Progressives Congress in 2020 He was re-elected in 2023 but was later sacked by the Court of Appeal.
His defection to the Labour Party comes amid a deepening crisis within the ADC in Adamawa State, which also saw Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani) withdraw from the party .
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