Shockwaves in Adamawa: Senator Binani Dumps APC for ADC, Forms Strategic Alliance with Atiku

In a dramatic twist that has set Nigeria’s political landscape abuzz, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Binani, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aligning herself with none other than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The high-stakes political realignment, confirmed on Sunday, July 20, 2025, has not only shaken Adamawa politics to its core but also ignited fresh speculation about the future of national opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defection, although quietly executed, was anything but inconsequential. Binani, the first woman in APC history to clinch a governorship ticket and a formidable force in northern Nigerian politics, arrived in Yola under the radar on Saturday evening, July 19. According to her media aide Maulud Usman, the decision was deliberately kept low-key, with no media fanfare or public rallies. “It wasn’t planned as an elaborate event, and there was no media invite, but the declaration has been made,” he stated, hinting at a larger, formal unveiling in the coming weeks that promises to redraw political alliances not just in Adamawa but potentially nationwide.

Binani’s departure from the APC is more than a routine switch in party membership—it’s a symbolic blow to a party she helped elevate in the northeastern state. Her 2023 gubernatorial run had galvanized not only the youth and women in Adamawa but also projected her as one of the most progressive faces within the APC. By defeating five male heavyweights in the party primaries, she earned national admiration and challenged the long-standing gender dynamics of Nigerian politics. Her narrow loss to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the general election did little to tarnish her image. Instead, it set the stage for her to emerge as a significant voice in Nigerian political discourse.

But her recent move is also stirring whispers of a broader agenda—one that seems to involve a resurgent Atiku Abubakar. Though yet to be officially confirmed, multiple credible sources have hinted that the former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential flagbearer has also pitched his political tent with the ADC. If verified, this signals the birth of a potent opposition coalition with formidable electoral experience and grassroots influence. With Binani and Atiku on the same platform, a political earthquake may be looming—one that could fundamentally reshape the balance of power in the run-up to the next elections.

For political analysts and insiders, this alliance may not be a coincidence but a calculated strategic move. Atiku, whose stronghold remains Adamawa, has long sought a platform with which to relaunch his ambitions after the PDP’s tumultuous internal divisions and electoral setbacks. By aligning with Binani—an influential and charismatic politician with widespread appeal—he gains a credible partner to reenergize his political base. Likewise, Binani may be seeking a cleaner slate and more autonomy under the ADC banner, away from the internal wrangling and patriarchal structures that often define Nigeria’s mainstream parties.

The timing of this political shake-up couldn’t be more critical. The APC is currently navigating internal tensions and waning public approval, while the PDP continues to struggle with infighting and credibility crises following its dismal performance in 2023. The ADC, often seen as a fringe party, now finds itself at the center of national attention, suddenly elevated by the arrival of two major political heavyweights. Party loyalists are already celebrating what they describe as “the rebirth of a true people’s movement,” hinting that the next few months could see a wave of defections and mobilization that might alter the course of Nigerian politics.

In Adamawa, reactions have been swift and mixed. Supporters of Binani have taken to the streets and social media in excitement, describing her move as bold and visionary. “We’ve waited for this moment,” one of her longtime campaign coordinators said. “The APC never gave her the recognition she deserved. Now she’s free to soar.” On the other side, APC loyalists have expressed disappointment and even betrayal, questioning the timing and motivation behind her defection. “This is not just about party politics—it’s about loyalty,” one APC chieftain lamented. “You don’t build a house and abandon it.”

Interestingly, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has remained silent on the matter, perhaps watching closely as the new alliance unfolds. Political observers in Yola say Fintiri’s camp is already recalibrating its strategy, aware that a Binani-Atiku coalition under a new platform could dramatically shift voter allegiance and power dynamics in the state.

Nationwide, the ripple effects are already being felt. Prominent politicians, civil society actors, and commentators are weighing in, many of them viewing Binani’s move as a possible catalyst for a broader political realignment in Nigeria. “This isn’t just about Adamawa,” tweeted one political analyst. “This is about 2027. Binani and Atiku are building something bigger than we can see right now.”

With plans already underway for a major political gathering in Yola next month, expectations are soaring. Insiders suggest that the event will be a show of strength and unity, aimed at presenting a viable alternative to the two dominant parties that have long monopolized Nigeria’s political arena. If the event materializes as predicted, it may become the launching pad for what many are calling Nigeria’s “third force” moment.

As of now, neither Binani nor Atiku has publicly addressed the press, but their actions speak volumes. In a country where political loyalty is often fleeting and opportunistic, this particular shift feels unusually intentional, strategic, and well-coordinated. Whether it marks the beginning of a lasting political revolution or just another moment of realignment remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the road to 2027 just got a lot more interesting.

Senator Binani’s quiet walk away from the APC may have seemed like a whisper on Saturday night, but by Sunday morning, it had become a thunderclap echoing across the nation. With the ADC suddenly thrust into the spotlight and a new political storm brewing in the North-East, all eyes are now fixed on Yola, where the next chapter of Nigeria’s political drama is about to unfold.