Senator Binos Yaroe, who represents Adamawa South Senatorial District, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirming it as his new political party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His decision, announced in Yola, follows weeks of consultation and positions him within the opposition bloc ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Yaroe explained that he chose the ADC over the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen multi-party democracy and avoid aligning with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who recently defected to the APC. Instead, he cited a commitment to political conviction and loyalty to his mentor, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also hails from Adamawa State.
The senator detailed that Atiku provided critical support during his successful Senate campaigns in 2019 and 2023. He noted that his constituency, which includes his native Mayo Belwa and Atiku’s Jada, shares deep political ties. Yaroe stressed that his move was not impulsive but followed extensive consultations with supporters across the nine local government areas in his district.
A key factor in his departure from the PDP was the party’s internal crisis. Yaroe stated that the PDP has fractured into rival factions, creating uncertainty about its legitimate structure. He argued that remaining in such an environment would pose a “serious political risk” for any candidate planning to contest the 2027 elections.
After formally resigning from the PDP on February 19, Yaroe engaged with other opposition lawmakers. He revealed that nine senators from parties including the Labour Party, APGA, and the PDP have collectively decided to defect to the ADC. This coordinated shift is intended to consolidate the opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Yaroe, who is seeking re-election in 2027, framed his decision as part of a broader strategy to preserve a viable opposition in Nigeria’s political system. His alignment with the ADC, a party historically linked to Atiku, underscores efforts to rebuild an alternative to the two dominant parties. The move highlights ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition, which faces the challenge of presenting a united front against the APC’s incumbency.
