In a political development that could reshape the landscape of Adamawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections, former governor and ex-senator Bindow Jibrilla has reportedly met with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential villa. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, June 25, has sparked widespread speculation that Bindow is poised to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meeting Details and Defection Plans
Sources close to the discussions indicate that Bindow, a prominent figure in Adamawa politics, has finalized plans to leave the ADC and join the APC. This move comes after Bindow lost the ADC gubernatorial ticket to Omar Sulaiman, the cousin of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The loss is believed to have fueled his decision to switch parties.
Vice President Shettima confirmed the meeting in a statement, saying, "I had fruitful discussions today in my office with my friend, brother and contemporary, Sen. Bindo Umaru Jibrilla, former Governor of Adamawa State, on politics, security, governance and issues of common interest." The statement underscores the political nature of the talks, which are seen as a significant boost for the APC in Adamawa.
Political Implications for Atiku and ADC
Adamawa State is the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Bindow's potential defection is a major setback for Atiku and the ADC, as it weakens their base in a key state. The ADC had hoped to leverage Atiku's influence to gain ground, but losing a former governor to the APC undermines those efforts.
The APC currently controls Adamawa State following the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bindow's addition would further consolidate APC's hold on the state, making it a stronghold for the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The news of Bindow's planned defection has generated a flurry of reactions on social media. Idreeserh predicted APC's victory, stating, "Anyone who is emotionally invested in the 2027 election should detach his or her mind. The APC will win the election the right way or the wrong way. Just tighten your belt." In contrast, Olumide Olaleye dismissed the move, asserting, "Fruitless journey to APC, where are the senators and governors that defected? Bindweed should go and ask for such a journey from Bilani. Any time and any day, Adamawa is in the bag for their father, Atiku. Truth is bitter."
Bulama Dgreat criticized the APC government's priorities, saying, "When the country is ravaged by insecurity, and you have little to show for three years in office, but your biggest concern is Bindow's defection, your priorities are clearly misplaced." Meanwhile, Astambaya supported Bindow's decision, remarking, "I don't blame Bindow if he dumps the ADC. How can a former Governor of Adamawa fail to get a gubernatorial ticket despite being very loyal to Atiku?... It doesn't make sense at all."
Background and Context
Bindow served as governor of Adamawa State from 2015 to 2019 and later as a senator. His political career has been marked by shifts between parties, including the PDP and APC, before joining the ADC. The ADC, formed in 2005, has struggled to gain national prominence, but Atiku's candidacy gave it a boost. However, internal disputes over ticket allocations have led to discontent among party members.
The 2027 elections are shaping up to be a fierce contest between the APC and opposition parties. With Bindow's defection, the APC gains a seasoned politician who could help deliver Adamawa, a state with 21 local government areas and a significant number of voters. The opposition, particularly the ADC and PDP, will need to regroup to counter the APC's momentum.
