Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has officially dumped the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The defection was confirmed on Sunday by her media aide, Maulud Usman, who revealed that Binani arrived in Yola on Saturday evening and quietly informed close family members and friends about her move to the ADC.
Although news of her defection had circulated widely on social media earlier in the day, there was no formal announcement until Maulud clarified the situation, noting that the declaration was intentionally low-key and without media coverage.
According to him, Binani who represented Adamawa Central Senatorial District during the 2019 plans to return to Yola soon for a more public and elaborate unveiling as a member of her new party.
Binani lost the closely contested 2023 election to incumbent Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Her departure from the APC had been anticipated for some time, amid ongoing internal party tensions.
Sources suggest that her decision was influenced by her strained relationship with the state APC leadership, which has reportedly shown strong allegiance to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, a key political rival of Binani within the party.
Observers say the defection marks a significant shift in Adamawa’s political landscape and could reshape alliances ahead of future elections.