Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The development was announced on Friday. It comes nine months after she exited the APC and joined the ADC.
Binani received her membership card at a ceremony attended by key party figures. At the event, Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the NDC, welcomed her into the party. He also named her as the leader of the party in Adamawa, pending the outcome of internal democratic processes.
Speaking during the ceremony, Binani said her decision followed a detailed review of the party’s constitution. She noted that the document reflects “a strong commitment to structured, policy-driven governance.”
She addressed concerns about her recent political movements. “Some may point out that just nine months ago, I was at another party. Let me say clearly that I will never condemn where I came from,” she said.
“Politics is dynamic and often local in nature, and decisions are made based on prevailing realities.”
Binani explained that her supporters played a key role in her latest move. “About nine months ago, we collectively made the decision to join our former party. But over time, for reasons best known to them, my supporters felt it was necessary to move on. They took the initiative and urged me to join the NDC,” she said.
She added that her loyalists had already made significant progress within the party before her official defection. According to her, Adamawa now has the highest number of registered members in the NDC.
“I always say that no individual can succeed in politics alone. It is the supporters who drive the process, build the foundation, and sustain the journey,” she added.
Binani expressed appreciation to the party’s national working committee for the reception she received. She also called for “fairness, equity, justice, transparency, and, most importantly, the strengthening of internal democracy” within the party.
In his remarks, Dickson described the NDC as a platform open to new members. He assured Binani of the party’s readiness to grow its base.
“This party is open, inclusive, and ready to harness your energy, ideas, and strength. My dear sister, once again, you are welcome,” he said.
“As the chairman has rightly said, the flag of leadership of the NDC in Adamawa has now been handed over to you.
“We are confident that when the party’s democratic processes are concluded, we will gather again in Adamawa to formally engage with the good people of the state and to continue building this movement together.”
