Caricature chairman: Sen. Binani blasts Babachir over insubordination, disrespect to Atiku
An audio recording featuring Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani), the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has surfaced online, introducing another layer of controversy into the intractable leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State.
In the leaked audio, Senator Binani was heard berating former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal, for what she described as blatant disrespect and inordinate arrogance in the composition of a transition committee for the party in Adamawa State.
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The leaked audio, which has gone viral across social media platforms, has deepened the internal crisis rocking the ADC, a party once perceived as a credible alternative platform that has the potentials to unseat the present government.
The crisis, which has split the party into multiple factions, continues to threaten its unity vis a vis success ahead of the 2027 general elections. It was alleged that at the center of the crisis is the demand by some party bigwigs to get automatic tickets which others vehemently rejected.
In the audio, Senator Binani accused Babachir Lawal of undermining respected political leaders within the ADC, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, governors and senators, questioning the rationale behind appointing a green horn to lead renowned political heavyweights.
She lamented that Babachir’s decision to appoint a politician of lesser consequence and pedigree as chairman of the Adamawa State transition committee was an affront to established political hierarchy and a breach of internal party protocol.
She expressed shock and dismay over the attitude noting that such action was unprecedented and unacceptable. She said such mindset represents the highest form of disrespect for accomplished leaders and astute trailblazers.
The leaked recording captures Binani’s frustration over what she called Babachir Lawal’s insubordination and intransigence, accusing him of acting unilaterally without consultation or authorization from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
She further accused the former SGF of pursuing personal interests at the expense of party unity and integrity.
The latest controversy began after Engr. Babachir David Lawal, who also serves as ADC’s North-East Vice Chairman, released a list constituting the Adamawa State transition committee.
The committee, according to the announcement, was to serve as an advisory body to the state executive council and to work closely with the party structure in preparation for mass mobilization, membership registration, and upcoming congresses at all levels.
However, Binani quickly read meanings into the action and expressed vituperation over such gross misconduct saying that the decision to name a former member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly and ex-member of the House of Representatives as chairman of the committee, instead of a senior political figure such as the former vice president, was “absurd, abnormal, and disrespectful.”
In the audio, Binani questioned Babachir’s judgment, insisting that the former vice president, being the highest-ranking political figure from the state and one of the most experienced national leaders in the party, should have naturally chaired the committee.
“Ordinarily, His Excellency, the former Vice President, should have been named chairman of the transition committee to give the group direction, authority, and legitimacy. If he is unable to preside over meetings, the next ranking political office holder could act in his stead. Anything short of that is a disservice to logic and order,” she said.
