Why I refused to join Fintiri to APC — Sen. Yaroe
• Says he decides to swim with Atiku over long term support
The Senator representing Adamawa South Senatorial District, Binos Dauda Yaroe, has explained why he refused to follow Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri into the All Progressives Congress (APC), choosing instead to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, Yaroe said his decision was guided by political conviction, loyalty, and a commitment to preserve democratic opposition in Nigeria.
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The senator disclosed that his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) followed extensive consultations with his constituents across the nine local government areas of Adamawa South, after the party became deeply divided by internal crises.
According to him, the fragmentation within the PDP made it difficult for any aspirant to confidently contest elections under its platform.
“I first consulted my supporters across the nine local governments in my constituency. The PDP has become fractured into several factions and nobody can confidently say which one is legitimate,” Yaroe said.
He noted that the situation posed a serious political risk, citing previous cases in states such as Zamfara and Plateau where candidates lost their electoral victories in court due to internal party disputes.
“For anyone who intends to contest elections in 2027, it would be dangerous to remain in such a situation,” he added.
Yaroe revealed that after formally resigning his PDP membership on February 19, he continued consultations with political allies and other opposition lawmakers before arriving at the decision to join ADC.
He explained that the move was part of a collective strategy by opposition senators determined to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party political system.
“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,” the senator said.
Yaroe confirmed that nine senators from different opposition parties — including the Labour Party, APGA and PDP — jointly decided to defect to ADC as part of efforts to strengthen opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For the Adamawa South senator, however, the decision also carries a personal dimension rooted in political loyalty.
He noted that Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa and a leading figure in the emerging ADC coalition, has played a pivotal role in his political journey.
According to him, Atiku supported him during crucial moments in his career, including the PDP senatorial primaries in 2019 and his successful return to the Senate in 2023.
“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,” Yaroe said.
He stressed that it would have been politically inconsistent for him to join a different political camp while Atiku leads the ADC coalition.
The senator also dismissed suggestions that he should have joined the APC alongside Governor Fintiri, arguing that the ruling party has done little to address the development challenges facing Adamawa South.
According to him, the senatorial district lacks major federal institutions, including tertiary educational institutions and critical healthcare facilities.
“With nine local governments in Adamawa South, there is hardly any federal presence. No university, no polytechnic, no major health facility. What reason would I give my people for joining APC?” he asked.
Despite concerns about the capacity of ADC to meet constitutional and electoral requirements ahead of 2027, Yaroe expressed confidence in the leadership of the party.
He pointed to the involvement of experienced political figures, including former Senate President David Mark who now leads the party.
“These are people who understand the political terrain and the electoral processes. They know the constitutional timelines and they know what they are doing,” Yaroe said.
The senator also revealed that he intends to seek re-election to the Senate in 2027, saying another term would likely mark the final phase of his political career.
By then, he said, he would be above 75 years old and ready to bow out of active politics.
