The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has recorded a major political boost as the 2023 Adamawa State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, formally joined the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Her latest political move comes months after she left the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), underscoring the growing wave of political repositioning across the country.
The NDC described her defection as a significant realignment in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Binani was officially received into the party in Abuja by its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, alongside the National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
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 added that her political decision was also influenced by the wishes of her supporters.
“My priority and my first interest is the interest of my supporters,” Binani stated, noting that many of them had already joined the party before her formal declaration.
“Even before I answered them, they had already gone far,” she said, claiming that Adamawa State now has one of the highest numbers of registered members in the NDC.
The former senator thanked the party leadership for the warm reception and pledged to contribute to its growth both in Adamawa State 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, transparency, and internal democracy within the party.
Welcoming her, former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, described the party as an open and inclusive platform ready to accommodate Nigerians seeking political alternatives.
“This party is open, inclusive, and ready to harness your energy, ideas, and strength,” Dickson said.
He handed her a leadership role in Adamawa State and urged her to work with party leaders to strengthen its structures and promote unity.
Dickson also called on women and youths across the country to join the party, noting that the NDC has adopted affirmative action policies to enhance their participation.
“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 prominent political figures in Adamawa State and northern Nigeria.
She was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election, where she mounted a strong challenge against incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
Her defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Adamawa as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
It also strengthens the NDC’s expansion drive as the relatively new party seeks to position itself as a viable national alternative.
By Friday Olokor
