NDC Chieftain Says Binani Has the Leadership Experience to Address Adamawa’s Challenges, Advocates Greater Opportunities for Youths and Women
A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Mr. Saidu Bakari, popularly known as Kaita, has explained why he remains committed to the political movement of former Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, describing her leadership experience, calm disposition and record of public service as major reasons for his continued support.
Kaita, who serves as the Welfare Secretary of the NDC Local Government Executive Committee in Yola South, representing Namtari Ward, spoke on Binani's political journey, the 2023 Adamawa governorship election, the challenges facing the state and his expectations for the 2027 political season.
According to him, his decision to remain under Binani's political umbrella is based on his conviction that Adamawa needs a leader with her experience, disposition and capacity for leadership.
"In the history of Adamawa State, we have not had somebody like Binani. She has the capacity for leadership, and she is always calm. These are the qualities I believe Adamawa needs at this critical moment," he said.
Explaining his contributions to the movement, Kaita disclosed that he has been actively involved in grassroots mobilisation and political communication, particularly through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
He said he regularly creates WhatsApp platforms and other communication networks to mobilise supporters, adding that some of the groups have membership strength of about 2,000 people.
As Welfare Secretary of the NDC in Yola South, he said his responsibility extends beyond his official position, as he also works to expand Binani's political reach and communicate her activities to supporters across different communities.
Kaita maintained that his political involvement is driven by his desire to see Binani secure the governorship and create opportunities for the people of Adamawa State.
Reflecting on the 2023 governorship election, in which Binani contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kaita described the experience as a defining moment in Adamawa's political history.
He recalled the intense contest between Binani and incumbent Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, insisting that the support she received across several local government areas demonstrated the strength of her political base.
He also expressed disappointment over what he described as internal disagreements and divisions within the APC at the time, alleging that some party members did not support Binani's ambition.
However, official results show that Fintiri eventually won the 2023 governorship election with 430,861 votes against Binani's 398,738 votes. Binani won eight of the state's 21 local government areas, while Fintiri secured victory in 13.
The election attracted national attention following the controversial announcement of Binani as the winner by the then Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, a declaration subsequently nullified by INEC. The commission later completed the collation process and declared Fintiri the winner.
Despite the outcome, Kaita said the experience strengthened his political commitment and determination to continue working with Binani.
Speaking on the major challenges confronting Adamawa State, he identified insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship and limited opportunities for young people as issues requiring urgent government attention.
He expressed confidence in Binani's ability to address these concerns, citing what he described as her previous interventions in employment support, assistance to widows and other vulnerable members of society during her time in public office.
Kaita further expressed his willingness to contribute to governance through public communication and advisory responsibilities if Binani eventually assumes leadership of the state.
"If Binani is elected, I would like to be part of her advisory team on public matters because the people need government support. I know she can do her best. During her time representing Adamawa Central in the Senate, she supported employment initiatives, widows and other people. These are things people are aware of," he stated.
On the political challenges surrounding Binani's journey, Kaita acknowledged that politics comes with disagreements, competing interests and attempts by political opponents to undermine individuals.
He particularly referred to the controversies surrounding former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and the political disagreements involving Binani's previous political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He alleged that certain political interests were working against Binani's ambition, but maintained that her supporters had remained committed to their political direction.
Kaita explained that Binani's movement to the NDC was part of the political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Binani formally joined the NDC in May 2026 after leaving the ADC, having previously exited the APC. Her movement into the party has become an important development in Adamawa's evolving political landscape.
Kaita also claimed that the NDC was gaining ground in the northern part of the state, pointing to the movement of some political executives into the party as evidence of growing political activity.
On youth and women's participation in a possible Binani administration, he called for deliberate inclusion, economic empowerment and opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance.
He expressed hope that a Binani-led government would prioritise youth development, education, employment and women's participation in decision-making.
According to him, many young people are currently struggling to continue their education because of economic hardship and unemployment, making government intervention particularly important.
He said he expected a future administration to create opportunities for young people and women through appointments, empowerment programmes and greater involvement in public responsibilities.
Concluding the interview, Kaita appealed to the people of Adamawa State to pay attention to leadership experience, accessibility and commitment to public service as they assess political choices ahead of 2027.
He described Binani as a politician who, in his view, maintains her commitments and remains connected to the people.
"I want to appeal to my beloved people of Adamawa State. We need to look at the leadership qualities and experience of the people seeking to govern us. Binani is someone I believe can reach every part of the state. She does not easily abandon her commitments, and I believe she has a lot to offer.
"If Almighty Allah grants her the opportunity to become Governor of Adamawa State, I pray that she will bring development and address the challenges confronting our people. Insha Allah," he said.
For Kaita, the 2027 political season represents another opportunity to advance the political cause he has remained committed to, with grassroots mobilisation, digital communication and community engagement forming the foundation of his activities within the NDC.
No comments:
Post a Comment