The political space ahead of the 2027 general elections is beginning to take shape as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s visit to the Abuja residence of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani has sparked fresh intrigue and speculation.
Atiku, a key figure in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), met with Binani, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to form a broad coalition aimed at challenging the APC’s grip on power.
Binani, who was the APC’s governorship candidate in Adamawa during the 2023 elections, has been politically sidelined, especially with her former rival, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, currently serving as National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.
Her recent re-emergence in political discussions has led to speculation that she may be positioning herself for another gubernatorial bid in 2027.
During the fiercely contested 2023 election, Binani polled 398,788 votes but ultimately lost to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP, who secured 430,861 votes.
The election was marred by controversy after the Resident Electoral Commissioner prematurely declared Binani the winner before INEC’s final tally.
Although neither Atiku nor Binani addressed the media after their meeting, photos from the visit quickly circulated on social media, fueling widespread speculation.
A source close to Atiku downplayed the visit, calling it “just a courtesy call” but acknowledged its deeper political implications.
“Atiku’s relationship with Fintiri has become strained beyond repair, so it wouldn’t be surprising if new alliances emerge,” the source added.
Political observers and social media users were quick to analyze the potential significance of the visit.
On X (formerly Twitter), Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar questioned whether Atiku could be the bridge for Binani’s 2027 ambitions, writing, “Politics is not for the weak! Do you think HE Atiku Abubakar will help Aisha Binani fulfill her dream in 2027?”
Facebook user C.I. Gago described the meeting as more than a political maneuver, calling it “a courtesy visit from a father to his daughter, a family reunion, and a realignment for a better Nigeria.”
He added, “Game over for ungrateful politicians who fail to acknowledge the support that brought them to power.”
Another political analyst, Abubakar H. Kapo, pointed out the potential strength of a new alliance, stating, “If Waziri Adamawa (Atiku), Senator Binani, Senator Aziz Nyako, Senator Abbo, and Dr. Modibbo Baba join forces, they will be a formidable challenge to the APC in Adamawa. This group has the potential to produce the next governor in 2027.”
