The senator representing Adamawa South Senatorial District, Binos Yaroe, has confirmed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as his new political party after recently defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Yaroe disclosed this while addressing journalists in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, where he explained the reasons behind his decision to align with the ADC instead of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
According to the lawmaker, his decision was driven by the need to strengthen opposition politics and promote a healthy multi-party democratic system in the country.
Speaking during the briefing organised for him to formally announce his new political platform, Yaroe said joining the ADC was a deliberate effort to encourage a vibrant opposition.
The senator stressed that moving to the APC would have weakened the opposition space, adding that Nigeria’s democracy thrives better with strong alternative political platforms.
Yaroe also revealed that his relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar played a significant role in his decision to join the ADC.
According to him, Atiku has been instrumental in his political journey and offered him crucial support during his earlier electoral contests.
He said, “I thought it appropriate to pitch a tent with my mentor, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.”
The senator recalled that the former vice president supported him when he first contested for the Senate in 2019 and again when he sought re-election in 2023.
Interestingly, both politicians hail from the same senatorial district in Adamawa State, with Atiku coming from Jada Local Government Area while Yaroe is from Mayo Belwa.
Yaroe further explained that he deliberately refused to follow Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, into the APC, choosing instead to remain within the opposition fold.
He said his decision was guided by personal conviction, loyalty to political allies, and a commitment to preserving a viable opposition in Nigeria.
The lawmaker also cited the lingering crisis within the PDP as a major factor that influenced his decision to leave the party.
“I first consulted my supporters across the nine local government areas in my constituency. The PDP has become fractured into several factions, and nobody can confidently say which one is legitimate,” Yaroe said.
According to him, remaining in the party would have posed a serious political risk, particularly for politicians planning to contest future elections.
“For anyone who intends to contest elections in 2027, it would be dangerous to remain in such a situation,” he added.
Yaroe disclosed that after formally resigning his membership of the PDP on February 19, he continued consultations with political associates and lawmakers from other opposition parties before arriving at the decision to join the ADC.
He revealed that discussions were held with senators from several opposition platforms, including the Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
According to him, nine senators from different opposition parties have agreed in principle to defect to the ADC as part of broader efforts to strengthen opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The senator, who is seeking to return to the Senate in 2027, said the move is aimed at building a stronger political platform capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative.
