Former Governor of Adamawa State and ex-senator, Bindo Umaru Jibrilla, has reportedly concluded plans to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes shortly after Jibrilla met with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, June 25, a meeting that has triggered political reactions and speculation over his next move.
In a post shared on his official X handle, Shettima confirmed the meeting, stating that discussions centred on politics, governance, security, and issues of mutual interest.
“I had fruitful discussions today in my office with my friend, brother and contemporary, Sen. Bindo Umaru Jibrilla, former Governor of Adamawa State, on politics, security, governance and issues of common interest,” he wrote.
Alleged Defection Plans
Sources within political circles suggest that the former governor is preparing to formally defect to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Jibrilla was reportedly in a strong position to secure the ADC governorship ticket in Adamawa State but allegedly lost the opportunity to Omar Sulaiman, a relative of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The alleged development is said to have influenced his decision to reconsider his political alignment.
Adamawa State remains politically significant as it is the home state of former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Political Reactions
The reported defection plans have already sparked mixed reactions across social media and political circles.
Supporters of the ADC argue that the former governor remains a key political figure in Adamawa and should remain within the opposition bloc, while APC supporters see the potential move as a boost for the ruling party ahead of the elections.
Some political commentators have described the development as part of early realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties continue to strengthen their structures nationwide.
However, neither Jibrilla nor the APC has officially confirmed the defection at the time of this report.
