In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, Adamawa State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, has formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking another major realignment in the country’s evolving political landscape.
Binani was officially received into the party in Abuja on Friday by the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, alongside the National Chairman and members of the party’s National Working Committee. Her defection comes months after she left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), highlighting the growing wave of political repositioning ahead of the next election cycle.
Speaking during the reception, Binani said her decision to join the NDC was informed by the party’s constitution and governance philosophy. “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 explained that her move was also based on the wishes of her supporters, insisting that their interests remain paramount in her political decisions. “My priority and my first interest is the interest of my supporters,” Binani stated.
According to her, many of those supporters had already moved into the party before her formal declaration. “Even before I answered them, they had already gone far,” she said, while claiming that Adamawa State now has one of the highest numbers of registered members in the NDC.
The former senator thanked the leadership of the party for welcoming her and pledged to work for its growth in Adamawa and nationally. “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 called for fairness and transparency within the party. “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 party, former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, described the party as an open and inclusive platform ready to receive Nigerians seeking political alternatives. “This party is open, inclusive, and ready to harness your energy, ideas, and strength,” Dickson said.
He formally handed Binani a leadership role in Adamawa State, saying, “The flag of leadership of the NDC in Adamawa has now been handed over to you.” He urged her to work with party leaders in the state to build consensus, promote unity, and strengthen the party’s structures.
Dickson also used the occasion to invite women across the country to embrace the NDC, saying the party has a special place for women and youths. He noted that the NDC had already adopted affirmative action for women at its first National Executive Committee meeting.
In a wider political appeal, Dickson invited politicians dissatisfied with their current parties 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.
Using a metaphor, he added, “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 one of the most recognisable political figures in Adamawa State and northern Nigeria. She was the APC governorship candidate in the fiercely contested 2023 Adamawa governorship election, where she mounted a strong challenge against incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Her latest move is expected to reshape political alignments in the state as preparations gather pace for the 2027 elections.
Her defection also adds momentum to the NDC’s expansion drive as the relatively new party seeks to establish itself as a national alternative platform capable of attracting experienced political figures and broader grassroots support across the country.
