Ex-Adamawa APC Governorship Candidate Binani Joins NDC

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Adamawa State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, has formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Binani was received into the party in Abuja on Friday by the NDC National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, alongside members of the party’s National Working Committee.

Her move comes nine months after she exited the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), underlining the fluid nature of political alignments as stakeholders begin early positioning for the next election cycle.

Addressing party leaders and supporters at the reception, Binani said her decision to join the NDC was guided by its ideological framework and governance focus.

“The answer is very simple. Going by the Constitution of the NDC, I saw that the party focuses on structured, policy-driven governance,” she said.

She stressed that the interests of her supporters played a central role in her decision, noting that many of them had already aligned with the party before her formal declaration.

“My priority and my first interest is the interest of my supporters,” she stated, adding that “even before I answered them, they had already gone far.”

The former senator further claimed that Adamawa State is emerging as a strong base for the NDC, citing what she described as a surge in membership figures in the state.

While thanking the party leadership for the reception, she pledged to work towards strengthening its structures both in Adamawa and across the country.

“We will try our best to see that we build this NDC back at home in Adamawa State, and also at the national level, we will contribute our quota,” she said.

Binani also emphasised the need for internal cohesion within the party, calling for adherence to democratic principles. “All we are asking for is to ensure fairness, equity, justice, transparency, and above all, to ensure that internal democracy is taking its toll,” she added.

Welcoming her into the fold, Dickson described the NDC as an inclusive platform open to Nigerians seeking alternatives in the political space. “This party is open, inclusive, and ready to harness your energy, ideas, and strength,” he said.

He announced her new role as the party’s leader in Adamawa State, saying,

“The flag of leadership of the NDC in Adamawa has now been handed over to you,” while urging her to work with other stakeholders to build unity and expand the party’s reach.

Dickson also used the occasion to appeal to women and youths nationwide to identify with the party, noting that the NDC had already adopted affirmative action policies aimed at increasing female participation in politics.

In a broader call, he encouraged politicians dissatisfied with their current platforms to consider joining the NDC.

“Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to join any political party at any time and to leave at any time,” he said, adding metaphorically, “If the vehicle you boarded is no longer taking you to your destination, you have every right to step down and board a better one. The NDC is that better vehicle.”

Binani remains a prominent political figure in Adamawa and the wider northern region, having been the APC’s candidate in the keenly contested 2023 governorship election where she challenged incumbent governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.