THE political landscape of Adamawa State continues to witness major shifts as Senator Muhammad Umar Jibrilla Bindow, a former governor and influential grassroots politician, has officially announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a letter dated 21st July, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Kolere Ward, Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamu Iya, Bindow tendered his resignation, effectively ending his two-year relationship with the party.
The letter, which was obtained by News Point Nigeria, reads in part:
“Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my membership resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) effective 21st July, 2025.
“I am grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the party’s vision and goals during my membership. My experience with the PDP has provided valuable insights towards grassroots mobilization and enhancing our democratic process.
“The decision has not been made lightly. While I deeply respect the party’s legacy, I feel it is time for me to pursue other political and personal commitments aligned with my current priorities.
“I wish the PDP continued success in its mission to serve the Nigerian people and strengthen our democracy.”
Bindow’s exit from the PDP comes amid weeks of speculation about his growing involvement with the ADC, especially following his visible participation in strategic meetings and coalition-building efforts involving the party.
His defection is not entirely unexpected but marks a significant loss for the PDP in Adamawa, a state where Bindow has long enjoyed strong political influence, particularly among the youth and women.
Political watchers view his move as a potential game-changer ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially considering that Senator Aisha Dahiru Binani, his former opponent in the 2023 APC gubernatorial primaries, also defected to the ADC last week.
Bindow, also known as the Sardaunan Mubi, has had a remarkable political career.
He was elected Senator representing Adamawa North in 2011 under the PDP and later won the governorship seat in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, following his loss to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the PDP in the 2019 elections, Bindow gradually drifted away from the APC.
His formal defection to the PDP in January 2023, after losing the APC gubernatorial ticket to Aisha Binani, was seen as a calculated political recalibration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite his late entry into the PDP, he was warmly welcomed due to his influence and perceived ability to deliver votes at the grassroots level.
In Adamawa, Bindow is widely regarded as a grassroots mobilizer, especially popular among market women, youth groups, and small-scale entrepreneurs, thanks to his people-focused development policies as governor.
His administration was credited with infrastructural development, youth empowerment programs, and attempts to industrialize parts of the state.
His defection, therefore, represents more than just a change of party, it could shift the political equation in the state, especially as new alignments begin to take shape.
While the PDP is yet to officially respond to the development, insiders say the party leadership is rattled by the growing exodus of notable figures, especially with the ADC appearing to consolidate opposition forces.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the ADC in the North East told News Point Nigeria that Bindow’s entry into the party as “a massive boost” and “a validation of ADC’s growing appeal as a viable alternative to the ruling and main opposition parties.”
“This is no longer just about party loyalty. It’s about survival, structure, and serious strategy and Bindow knows how to play the long game.”