The Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Mustapha Ribadu, says the era of political heavyweights deciding election outcomes in the state is over.
Speaking in Yola on Monday, Ribadu dismissed concerns over the defection of some party chieftains, insisting that their exit has not weakened the APC’s structure or its chances in future elections.
He argued that political influence now lies with the grassroots, not individuals who hold titles but lack real support.
“It’s not about big names anymore. Elections are won with the people at the grassroots who are committed to the party,” he said.
Ribadu questioned the political relevance of former Governor Jibrilla Bindow, who recently left the APC. According to him, Bindow’s defection didn’t carry weight because no significant supporters followed him out of the party. He noted that during the last general elections, the former governor failed to secure victories in his polling unit, ward, local government, or even the entire northern senatorial zone.
He also made reference to the APC’s former governorship candidate, Senator Aisha Binnani, pointing out that she too lost in her polling unit and ward during the last election, raising doubts about her local appeal.
Ribadu maintained that the APC remains firmly rooted in Adamawa and is focused on strengthening its base ahead of the 2027 elections.
