Aisha Binani Defects to Nigeria Democratic Congress, Citing Policy-Driven Governance

Key facts

• Aisha 'Binani' Dahiru defected from the ADC to the NDC on Friday.
• She left the APC for the ADC in July 2025, nine months ago.
• Binani received her NDC membership card from party national leader Seriake Dickson.
• She was appointed head of the NDC in Adamawa pending internal democratic processes.
• Binani stated that Adamawa now has the highest number of registered NDC members.
• Her supporters urged the move and had already built inroads into the NDC before her formal declaration.
• crisis in the ADC in April 2026, with a Binani-loyal bloc resigning.

A Third Party in Nine Months

Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Adamawa, has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, marking her third party affiliation in less than a year. The announcement, made on Friday in Abuja, comes exactly nine months after she left the APC for the African Democratic Congress in July 2025. Binani received her NDC membership card at a ceremony where Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader and former governor of Bayelsa, welcomed her and announced her as the head of the NDC in Adamawa, pending internal democratic processes. The move underscores the fluidity of Nigeria’s political landscape as parties jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

A Constitution That Promises Structured Governance

Speaking at the event, Binani said she was drawn to the NDC after a careful study of its constitution, which she described as demonstrating “a strong commitment to structured, policy-driven governance.” She emphasized that her decision was not a rejection of her past affiliations but a response to evolving political realities. “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.”

Supporters as the Driving Force

Binani attributed the defection largely to the initiative of her supporters, who she said had already begun mobilizing within the NDC before her formal declaration. “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 explained. According to her, loyalists had built significant inroads into the NDC, resulting in Adamawa recording the highest number of registered members in the party. “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.

A History of Party Hopping and Internal Crises

Binani’s political journey has been marked by frequent shifts. After losing the 2023 governorship election as the APC candidate, she defected to the ADC in July 2025, citing a strained relationship with the APC leadership in Adamawa. By April 2026, reports emerged of a crisis within the ADC, with a bloc loyal to Binani allegedly resigning due to internal disagreements over party congresses. Her latest move to the NDC, a party founded by Seriake Dickson, positions her within a platform that she believes prioritizes internal democracy. Binani called for “fairness, equity, justice, transparency, and, most importantly, the strengthening of internal democracy” within the NDC.

A Welcome From the NDC Leadership

Seriake Dickson, the NDC’s national leader, welcomed Binani and her supporters, describing 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, once again, you are welcome,” the former governor of Bayelsa said. Binani expressed gratitude to the NDC’s national working committee for the warm reception and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth at both state and national levels. She underscored the importance of equity, justice, transparency, and internal democracy as essential pillars for the party’s long-term success.

Implications for 2027 and Beyond

Binani’s defection to the NDC, bringing a substantial support base, could reshape political alignments in Adamawa and beyond. With the state now claiming the highest number of registered NDC members, the party gains a foothold in a key northeastern state. The move also highlights the ongoing realignment of political forces as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections. Binani’s repeated party switches, however, raise questions about her long-term political stability. She dismissed speculation surrounding her movements, stating that her foremost priority remains the interest of her supporters. “Am what I am today in politics because of the support of my people,” she said. “Inshallah, we will do our best to build the NDC in Adamawa and at the national level.”

The bottom line

• Aisha Binani has defected to the NDC, her third party in nine months, after leaving the APC and ADC.
• She was appointed head of the NDC in Adamawa, pending internal democratic processes.
• Binani cited the NDC’s constitution and her supporters’ wishes as reasons for the move.
• Adamawa now has the highest number of registered NDC members.
• crisis in the ADC in April 2026.
• Seriake Dickson welcomed Binani, emphasizing the party’s inclusive platform.