By TALATU MAIWADA

Sen. Binos Yaroe, representing Adamawa South Senatorial District, who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cited the need to preserve democratic opposition in Nigeria.

Yaroe disclosed this on Saturday during an interactive session with journalists in Yola.

The senator said his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was guided by political conviction, loyalty and a commitment to ensure the survival of a strong opposition in the country.

According to him, the move is part of a collective strategy by opposition lawmakers to prevent Nigeria from sliding into a one-party 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,” Yaroe said.

He revealed that nine senators from different opposition parties, including the Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the PDP, had jointly resolved to defect to the ADC.

Yaroe explained that the move was aimed at strengthening opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmaker said that after formally resigning his membership of the PDP on Feb. 19, he embarked on extensive consultations with political allies and other opposition lawmakers before deciding to join the ADC.

According to him, his exit from the PDP followed wide consultations with constituents across the nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa South Senatorial District.

Yaroe said the PDP had become deeply divided by internal crises, making it difficult for aspirants to confidently contest elections on 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,” he said.

Yaroe further said his decision also had a personal dimension rooted in political loyalty.

He noted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and a leading figure in the emerging ADC coalition, had played a pivotal role in his political career.

“Atiku supported me during crucial moments in my career, including the PDP senatorial primaries in 2019 and my 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.

“It would be politically inconsistent for me to join a different political camp while Atiku leads the ADC coalition,” Yaroe added. (NAN)