In a development that could reshape Adamawa’s political landscape ahead of 2027, former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Though the news initially surfaced through whispers and unverified social media reports early Sunday morning, Binani’s media aide, Maulud Usman, confirmed the move later in the day.
He revealed that the senator arrived in Yola on Saturday and quietly informed close friends and family of her defection.
“There was no media presence or public fanfare,” Maulud said. “It was a private declaration, but she intends to return soon for a more official and public unveiling with her new political home.”
Binani, who represented Adamawa Central in the Senate and narrowly lost the 2023 governorship race to PDP incumbent Ahmadu Fintiri, had been widely expected to part ways with the APC.
Her relationship with the party’s leadership had reportedly grown strained, especially with the increasing influence of National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu — a political rival and one of those she defeated during the 2023 APC primaries.
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Observers say the rift between Binani and Ribadu widened after the latter gained more political clout at the national level, effectively sidelining her influence in the Adamawa chapter of the party.
“Her departure from APC didn’t come as a surprise,” said a local political analyst. “The writing was on the wall since the end of the last election.”
Ribadu is believed to be either eyeing another gubernatorial bid or positioning a loyalist for the ticket come 2027, making Binani’s prospects within the APC increasingly untenable.
With Binani now in the ADC camp, speculation is already swirling about her next political move. Will she make another run for the Adamawa governorship? Or is she repositioning for a federal appointment under a new alliance?
Her defection is also a signal of deepening cracks within the APC, especially in northern states where internal party politics has taken center stage as new coalitions and realignments gather steam for the next general elections.