Adamawa APC Unshaken by Defections, Says Organising Secretary Mustapha Ribadu

The Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Mustapha Ribadu, has dismissed fears that recent defections by prominent politicians will weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections. Speaking to Arewa PUNCH, Ribadu emphasized that the core strength of the APC in the state lies not in individuals but in its broad-based grassroots support.

Ribadu, a key figure in Adamawa’s APC structure, said that while some high-profile members have left the party, their departure has not significantly altered the party’s political landscape. He stressed that winning elections is about maintaining strong local connections and ensuring the party machinery is firmly rooted in the communities—not about relying on political heavyweights.

“The people that left the party, who are their followers that followed them?” he asked pointedly.

He cited the case of former Governor Jibrilla Bindow, who recently defected to another political party. According to Ribadu, despite Bindow’s former stature as governor—complete with 21 commissioners, 21 local government chairmen, over 700 aides, and 200 councillors—not a single one of those associates joined him in his political transition.

“Can you then say Adamawa APC has lost anything?” Ribadu queried.

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Defections Without Influence

Ribadu further argued that even during the last general elections, some of the prominent figures who have now defected did not enjoy widespread support. He pointed out that Bindow, although hailing from the influential Mubi area, lost not only his polling unit but also his ward, local government, and the entire northern senatorial district—an indication, he said, of his waning political influence.

He also made reference to Senator Aisha Binani, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, who similarly failed to secure her own polling unit and ward in that election. Ribadu noted that many of Binani’s former campaign allies, previously identified as “Binani Ambassadors,” have since rebranded themselves as “Adamawa APC Ambassadors,” signaling their continued loyalty to the party rather than to an individual.

“Who are now her followers that joined her in the new party?” he posed rhetorically.

Using the example of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Ribadu highlighted how political influence has become more fractured and less centered on big family names. Despite Atiku leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in previous years, Ribadu noted, his own son, Adamu Atiku, remains a PDP commissioner, and many of Atiku’s long-standing political allies have refused to follow him to other platforms.

“A one-man squad is of no use in politics,” he added firmly.

Family Names Losing Relevance

Ribadu suggested that the era of big political families dictating the direction of state politics is coming to an end in Adamawa. He blamed this on what he described as “years of deceit” that the electorate had suffered under such influential figures, resulting in widespread disillusionment and a shift toward performance-based politics.

“Big family names are no longer important in Adamawa politics. The people are more interested in performance and honesty,” he asserted.

Though he admitted that the APC in Adamawa has experienced internal disagreements, Ribadu described these as “controllable and manageable,” insisting that they do not threaten the overall unity or direction of the party.

Tinubu Can Pick Any Vice President – Ribadu

In a broader political context, Ribadu also weighed in on discussions surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He stated that the President has full constitutional authority to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with any competent individual from any part of the country if he chooses to do so.

“What we are interested in is good governance,” Ribadu declared. “It is not about where the vice president comes from or who holds the office.”

He cited the American political system as a precedent, where presidents and vice presidents sometimes emerge from the same region, suggesting that geographic or ethnic considerations should not override competence and the national interest.

“If the president brings someone from Lagos State who can work for him in the interest of Nigeria, he should pick the person,” he concluded.

Ribadu’s remarks reflect the APC’s effort to reposition itself as a party driven by performance and grassroots connection, rather than by political celebrity or historical allegiances. As 2027 approaches, the party appears committed to consolidating local support, confident that its electoral strength in Adamawa remains intact despite recent defections.