Former Kaduna State governorship aspirant, Zariyi Yusuf Madaki, has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing a loss of confidence in the party’s ability to provide the platform through which he could pursue his political objectives.
Madaki announced his resignation in a letter dated August 26, 2026, addressed to the NDC national chairman through the Kaduna State chairman. He said the decision took effect immediately.
The former aspirant said his decision followed his experiences within the party, consultations with stakeholders and his assessment of the political environment surrounding the NDC in Kaduna State.
According to Madaki, he entered partisan politics as a continuation of his advocacy for justice, good governance and improved living conditions for Nigerians. However, he said he had reached the conclusion that those objectives could no longer be achieved through the NDC platform.
He had previously contested for the NDC governorship ticket in Kaduna before stepping aside in favour of Senator Danjuma La’ah. Recent disputes within the party over its Kaduna governorship candidacy have further exposed tensions within the state chapter.
Madaki said his resignation was not merely a political calculation but a decision rooted in what he described as a moral obligation to the principles he has consistently advocated.
He has not announced another political party or disclosed where he intends to move next. Instead, he said he is consulting widely and would announce his next political decision in due course.
His departure represents another challenge for the NDC as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The development also comes against the backdrop of continuing internal disagreements within the Kaduna NDC over its governorship ticket and the appropriate process for selecting or replacing its candidate.
Madaki’s decision therefore has both personal and political implications, particularly in Kaduna, where opposition parties are attempting to consolidate their structures ahead of the next election cycle.
For now, the former aspirant remains outside the NDC without declaring a new political home.