Former Adamawa governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, has officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during her formal reception into the party on Friday in Abuja, Binani said her decision followed a careful study of the NDC’s constitution and ideals, which she described as focused on principles, structure and policy-driven governance.
The former senator, who represented Adamawa Central in the 9th National Assembly, said the move was also influenced by the wishes of her supporters and changing political realities, Blueprint.ng reports.
She said politics remains dynamic, adding that her priority would always be the welfare and aspirations of those who stood by her.
According to her, many of her supporters had already moved into the NDC before her formal declaration, noting that Adamawa has become one of the states with the highest number of registered members of the party.
Binani thanked the leadership of the NDC for receiving her and pledged to work for the growth of the party in Adamawa State and across the country.
She stressed that fairness, justice, transparency and internal democracy must remain the pillars of the party.
She said: “Many Nigerians may ask why I joined the NDC. My answer is simple. It is a party committed to structured and policy-based leadership.
“I will never speak against where I came from, but my first concern is the interest of my supporters. They encouraged this move and had already begun mobilising in the NDC before I joined.
“No one succeeds in politics alone. Supporters build leaders and make progress possible. I appreciate the NDC leadership for opening its doors to us. By God’s grace, we will strengthen the party in Adamawa and nationally.”
Receiving her into the party, NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, called on women and young Nigerians to take active ownership of the party.
He said women had for too long been remembered only during election periods and ignored afterwards.
“This is your party. Come in and take ownership,” he said.
Dickson also described the NDC as an open and inclusive platform, announcing that Binani would lead the party’s structure in Adamawa State.
He expressed confidence in her leadership qualities and political strength ahead of future elections.
The Bayelsa West senator urged politicians across the country who were dissatisfied with their current platforms to join the NDC, saying every citizen has the constitutional right to align with a party of choice.
He hinted that more high-profile defections were expected soon, adding that the party’s momentum was growing steadily.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, said the party was founded on ideology, unity and inclusiveness.
He said the NDC welcomes all Nigerians regardless of status, gender or background, adding that its strength lies in the participation of youths, women and experienced leaders.
Cleopas stated that the party had embraced affirmative action from inception to encourage women’s participation in politics.
Describing Binani as a formidable politician, he said she remains one of the most recognized female political figures in the country.
He assured her of equal treatment, support and full recognition within the party.
Also speaking, the National Women Leader of the NDC, Mrs Dudu Manuga, described Binani’s arrival as a major boost for the party.
She said the NDC remains committed to creating opportunities for women in leadership and governance.
According to her, Binani’s entry into the party represents renewed hope for stronger female participation in Nigerian politics.
She pledged the support of the women’s wing of the party for Binani and other female aspirants across the country ahead of future elections.
