Binani Joins Nigeria Democratic Congress, Citing Party's Policy-Driven Constitution

Key facts

• Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru defected from the ADC to the NDC on Friday.
• The move comes exactly nine months after she left the APC for the ADC.
• Seriake Dickson, NDC national leader, welcomed Binani and named her head of the party in Adamawa pending internal elections.
• Binani said she was drawn to the NDC after studying its constitution, which she described as demonstrating 'a strong commitment to structured, policy-driven governance.'
• She stated that her supporters urged her to join the NDC and had already built significant inroads, making Adamawa the NDC's highest-registered-member state.
• The NDC issued a statement urging Nigerians to ignore a fake X account that claimed the party was lobbying Peter Obi or Rabiu Kwankwaso for a 2027 joint presidential arrangement.
• NDC National Secretary Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu said the party welcomes all Nigerians, especially women and persons with disabilities, to join and contest elections.

A Swift Party Switch in Adamawa

Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The announcement, made on Friday, comes exactly nine months after she left the APC for the ADC. At a ceremony, Binani received her NDC membership card from party national leader Seriake Dickson, who also named her the head of the NDC in Adamawa, pending internal democratic processes.

Binani Explains Her Decision to Join NDC

Speaking at the event, Binani said she was drawn to the NDC after a careful study of its constitution, which she said demonstrates 'a strong commitment to structured, policy-driven governance.' Acknowledging the short time since her previous defection, she stated, '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. Politics is dynamic and often local in nature, and decisions are made based on prevailing realities.' She emphasized that her supporters encouraged the move, noting that they 'took the initiative and urged me to join the NDC.' According to her, loyalists had already built significant inroads into the NDC before her formal declaration, 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.

NDC Leadership Welcomes Binani and Her Supporters

Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa and national leader of the NDC, 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,' Dickson said. He also stated, 'As the chairman has rightly said, the flag of leadership of the NDC in Adamawa has now been handed over to you.' Binani expressed gratitude to the NDC’s national working committee (NWC) for the warm reception and called for 'fairness, equity, justice, transparency, and, most importantly, the strengthening of internal democracy' within the party.

NDC Denies Lobbying Specific Individuals for 2027

In a separate development, the NDC’s NWC issued a statement urging circulating on X that claimed the party was lobbying Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party for a possible joint presidential arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement, released on Sunday night by NDC National Secretary Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said, 'Please, ignore any report, either in the traditional media or social media, claiming that the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, is lobbying any specific individual or group to come and contest an election on the platform of the party.' The party attributed the false claims to a rogue X account parodying its verified handle, with similar colors and logo. 'The NDC has had cause in the past to alert Nigerians of this fake X account, dissociating itself from it,' the statement added. It encouraged Nigerians and the media to cross-check facts on the verified NDC X handle @Nigeria NDCHQ.

NDC Invites All Nigerians to Join, Emphasizes Inclusivity

Despite the denial of specific lobbying, the NDC reiterated its open-door policy. 'We also invite every Nigerian desirous of positive change, and every lover of multi-party democracy to join the NDC, work for the party and feel free to contest elections on its platform. This appeal is especially so for women and persons with disability. The NDC is a party for all,' the statement read. The party thanked Nigerians for their overwhelming support within the few weeks of its existence. 'NDC is an ideological party committed to serving Nigeria and Nigerians. We invite Nigerians from all corners of the country and the world to feel free and register to join the party,' it concluded.

Binani’s Political Trajectory and the NDC’s Rapid Rise

Binani’s latest defection marks her third party switch in less than a year, reflecting the fluid nature of Nigerian politics. Her move to the NDC, a relatively new party, signals its growing appeal as a platform for politicians seeking alternatives to established parties. The NDC, which has garnered significant support in a short time, now counts Adamawa as its strongest state in terms of registered membership. As Binani assumes leadership of the party in Adamawa, the political landscape in the state may shift, with potential implications for future elections. The NDC’s emphasis on internal democracy and inclusivity could attract more defectors, but the party must also navigate challenges such as fake social media accounts and the need to build a cohesive national structure.

The bottom line

• Aisha Binani has defected to the NDC, becoming its leader in Adamawa State after leaving the ADC and APC within nine months.
• Binani cited the NDC's constitution and policy-driven governance as key reasons for her move, while acknowledging her supporters' role.
• The NDC has denied lobbying any specific individuals for 2027, warning against a fake X account impersonating the party.
• The NDC is positioning itself as an inclusive party, actively inviting women and persons with disabilities to join and contest elections.
• Adamawa State now has the highest number of registered NDC members.
• The NDC's rapid growth and Binani's defection could reshape political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.