By Binos Yaroe, the senator representing Adamawa South Senatorial District, has said his decision to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was driven by the need to preserve a strong opposition in Nigeria.
Yaroe was among nine senators who recently defected from their various political parties to the ADC on Thursday.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists on Saturday, the lawmaker explained that his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was guided by his political convictions and loyalty to democratic principles.
According to him, the move forms part of a broader strategy by opposition lawmakers to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party state.
“We cannot all move to the ruling party. If everyone joins the APC, there will be no opposition left in the country. Democracy thrives when there is a strong voice of dissent,” he said.
Yaroe added that the defection was also aimed at strengthening opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that he formally resigned from the PDP on February 19.
The senator said he held extensive consultations with political allies, opposition lawmakers and constituents across the nine local government areas in Adamawa South before taking the decision.
He explained that the lingering internal crisis within the PDP had made it difficult for aspirants to contest elections on the party’s platform.
“I first consulted my supporters across the nine local governments in my constituency,” he said.
“The PDP has become fractured into several factions, and nobody can confidently say which one is legitimate.”
Yaroe further noted that political loyalty also influenced his decision to join the ADC, stressing that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar played a major role in his political journey.
“Atiku supported me during crucial moments in my career, including the PDP senatorial primaries in 2019 and my successful return to the Senate in 2023,” he said.
“I have been with Atiku Abubakar from the beginning of my political career. I am not someone who forgets people who stood by me in difficult times.
“It would be politically inconsistent for me to join a different political camp while Atiku leads the ADC coalition.” He added.
