Breaking: Fresh Trouble for Atiku as Ex-Governor, Top ADC Chieftain Meets Shettima, Defection Rumours Intensify

Fresh political uncertainty has emerged within the opposition camp after former Adamawa State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Bindow Jibrilla, met with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The high-profile meeting has triggered widespread speculation that the former governor may be preparing to dump the ADC for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development comes at a crucial time for the opposition coalition, with the ADC positioning itself as a major platform for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures ahead of the next presidential election.

Shettima confirms meeting

Vice President Shettima confirmed the meeting on Thursday, saying discussions centred on politics, governance, security and other national issues.

He wrote:

“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.”

Although neither Shettima nor Bindow disclosed any agreement, the meeting has fueled reports that the former governor could soon return to the APC.

Why Bindow may leave ADC

Political insiders say Bindow’s relationship with the ADC reportedly became strained after he failed to secure the party’s governorship ticket in Adamawa State.

The former governor, who was widely seen as a leading contender for the ticket, reportedly lost the contest to Omar Sulaiman, a development believed to have disappointed many of his supporters.

The outcome has now sparked reports that Bindow is weighing a return to the APC, where he previously served as governor.

Major setback for Atiku?

Any defection by Bindow would be viewed as a political blow for the ADC in Adamawa, the home state of Atiku Abubakar and one of the opposition’s strategic strongholds.

Analysts believe losing a politician with Bindow’s influence could weaken the party’s grassroots structure in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC and opposition parties have intensified efforts to attract influential politicians across the country as preparations for the next election gather momentum.

Nigerians react

The meeting generated mixed reactions on social media.

Some commentators described it as another sign that politicians are repositioning ahead of 2027, while others insisted the meeting alone does not confirm that Bindow has decided to leave the ADC.

Others argued that Adamawa remains politically important because of Atiku’s influence and predicted that any major defection would significantly reshape the state’s political landscape.

No official defection yet

Despite widespread speculation, Bindow has not officially announced his resignation from the ADC or confirmed plans to join the APC.

As of now, the reports remain based on political sources and the confirmed meeting with Vice President Shettima, with observers awaiting any formal declaration from the former governor.