Former Adamawa State governorship candidate Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani on Friday formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking her latest political move ahead of the 2027 election.
Her defection comes nine months after she left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking shortly after receiving her NDC membership card, Binani said she was attracted by the party’s commitment to structured, policy‑driven governance and by the influence of her political base.
“I believe many Nigerians are asking why I decided to join the NDC. The answer is simple. After carefully studying the party’s constitution, I saw a strong commitment to structured, policy‑driven governance,” she said.
“Some may point out that just nine months ago I was at another party. Let me be clear: I will never condemn where I came from. Politics is dynamic and often local, and decisions are made based on prevailing realities. My foremost priority has always been the interest of my supporters.
“About nine months ago we collectively decided to join our former party. But over time, for reasons best known to them, my supporters felt it necessary to move on. They took the initiative and urged me to join the NDC. In fact, before I made my final decision they had already made significant progress within the party. Today, Adamawa State boasts the highest number of registered NDC members.
“No individual can succeed in politics alone. It is the supporters who drive the process, build the foundation, and sustain the journey. Everything I have achieved in politics is because of their unwavering support, and I remain deeply grateful. I want to sincerely thank the National Working Committee of the NDC for opening its doors to welcome us.
“All we ask for is fairness, equity, justice, transparency and, most importantly, the strengthening of internal democracy within the party. These principles will ensure the party’s long‑term success,” she added.
Welcoming Binani and her supporters, NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson described the party as an inclusive platform ready to accommodate new entrants and expand its base.
“This party is open, inclusive and ready to harness your energy, ideas and strength. My dear sister, you are welcome. As the chairman has rightly said, the flag of NDC leadership in Adamawa has now been handed over to you,” Dickson said.
He said the party would complete its democratic processes and return to Adamawa to formally engage with the people and continue building the movement. He also invited other political leaders dissatisfied with their platforms to consider joining the NDC.
“It is not too late. Do not allow anyone to intimidate or mislead you into believing that you cannot leave a political party once you have joined. Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to join or leave any political party at any time. Politics is a journey. 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—strong, reliable and focused on delivering results,” he added.
Binani’s defection adds another layer to her recent political trajectory. She was the APC governorship candidate in the closely watched 2023 Adamawa election, where she mounted a strong challenge against incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party. During the collation process she was briefly declared the winner by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu‑Yunusa Ari, a declaration later nullified by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which suspended the REC.
Her move to the NDC is expected to reshape political alignments in Adamawa State as parties begin early manoeuvres ahead of the next election cycle.
