The outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Adamawa State has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as an unexpected result has redefined the balance of power. Amid reports of a power-sharing arrangement that limited Governor Ahmadu Fintiri's influence while boosting the camp of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, the contest has reopened old political fault lines. The evolving power play among Fintiri, Ribadu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani) is expected to shape Adamawa politics ahead of the 2027 polls.
Primary Shock and Political Realignments
The recent governorship primary in Adamawa surprised many residents. While other state chapters of the ruling APC celebrated easy triumphs for incumbents, Adamawa produced a result that questioned Governor Fintiri's belated defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Fintiri had defeated Senator Binani in a controversial 2023 election, leading many to believe the PDP had consolidated its hold on the state. However, the primary result suggests a shift in allegiance and strategy.
Former Governor Jibrilla Bindow's decision to defect to the PDP after losing to Fintiri had previously created instability within the APC. Although Binani defeated Bindow and Ribadu to clinch the APC ticket in 2019, Bindow's defection left party faithful waiting for his return. After Fintiri's tough re-election bid, Binani emerged as a formidable force. With President Bola Tinubu's administration preparing for a second term, both Fintiri and Binani recognized the rise of a new political sheriff.
Binani's Strategic Moves
After Ribadu's appointment as NSA, Binani gradually withdrew from APC activities. Atiku Abubakar, eyeing the presidency, visited Binani to capitalize on her estrangement, knowing her ability to mobilize Adamawa voters. Binani had moved from the House of Representatives to the Senate, succeeding Abdul-Aziz Nyako. Adamawa is known for its vibrant politicians, dating back to the Fourth Republic when Iya Abubakar, Abubakar Halilu Girei, and Jonathan Silas Zwingina represented the state in the Senate. Binani's political survival for over a decade underscores her substance.
As the 2027 election approached, the landscape shifted. Dr. Umar Ardo, the SDP governorship candidate in 2023, floated the League of Northern Democrats. Binani explored an alliance with Atiku under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but that failed after she accused former SGF Babachir Lawal of imposing candidates. On May 5, 2026, Binani, alongside Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Henry Seriake Dickson, joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). She has positioned herself as the candidate to beat in the February 6, 2027, governorship election.
APC Primary Controversy
The APC primary results raised questions about transparency. Contrary to Fintiri's promise to support a grassroots successor, his preferred candidate, Dr. Felix Tangwami, was pushed into a senatorial contest. A 40-60 percent power-sharing formula reportedly excluded the governorship ticket. After Fintiri moved the PDP structure into the APC, murmurs emerged. PDP stalwarts argued he joined to shield himself from EFCC scrutiny. APC supporters resisted his leadership, while Ribadu's loyalists maintained allegiance to Abuja.
Tijjani Ahmed Galadima, Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), won the primary with 414,444 votes. He was widely seen as Ribadu's preferred candidate. Many APC leaders considered Galadima a political unknown, with his only asset being Ribadu's endorsement. In the North-East zonal congress in Gombe, Ribadu had installed his loyalist, Barrister Shuiabu Idris, as APC National Vice Chairman. Aliyu Abdullahi, an APC member, warned that Ribadu must be careful to avoid a repeat of 2015, when he lost the general election after winning the nomination.
Innocent Barikor, chairman of the National APC Primary Election Committee, declared Galadima the winner after polling on May 21. Abdulrahman Haske polled 65,930 votes, and Abdulrazak Namdas Saad secured 86,004. Haske questioned the credibility of the primary, citing irregularities and limited access to collation. Supporters of Fintiri and losing aspirants are now considering backing Binani of the NDC. The outlook for the governorship race is uncertain, as the APC's loss of incumbency advantage may not translate into sympathy votes on February 6, 2027.
