AISHA DAHIRU

Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, widely known as Binani, is a Nigerian politician and entrepreneur born on August 11, 1971. She served as the senator for Adamawa Central from 2019 to 2023 and has been a notable figure in Nigerian politics, especially as the only female senator from northern Nigeria in the 9th National Assembly. Her appointment as Gimbiyar Adamawa by the Adamawa Emirate Council on March 30, 2020, further underscores her prominence.

Binani was born in Kaduna and hails from a distinguished family; her father, Dahiru Ahmed Chiroma, was the son of Ahmadu Malabu, an elder brother to Nigeria's first Defence Minister, Muhammed Ribadu. She began her early education in Kaduna, completing her primary education at Gwadabawa Primary School, Jimeta, and her secondary education at Government Secondary School, Yola. She then attended the Federal Polytechnic of Mubi, where she earned an Ordinary National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Borno State, she was recognized with a state merit award for outstanding performance. Binani furthered her education with a certificate in Rural Radio Systems from the University of Southampton in the UK, a postgraduate diploma in Business Management, and a certificate in Data Processing from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Binani is married to Professor Ahmed Modibbo, a former Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and is considered one of the wealthiest individuals in Adamawa State.

Her political journey began in 2011 when she was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Yola North, Yola South, and Girei Constituency under the People's Democratic Party (PDP). During her tenure, she chaired the House Committee on Constituency Outreach and was a member of several committees, including Appropriations, Land Transport, Millennium Development Goals, and Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Public Service Matters. Her efforts in the House focused on healthcare, educational development, agricultural assistance, employment generation, and infrastructure.

In 2015, she sought a senatorial position for Adamawa Central but lost. However, she won the seat in the 2019 general elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC) after securing the party's primary with a decisive victory. As a senator, she chaired the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and continued her advocacy for various developmental issues.

Binani aimed to become the Governor of Adamawa State in the 2023 gubernatorial election. In a highly competitive primary, she emerged victorious against prominent figures like former Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla Bindow and former EFCC Chairman Nuhu Ribadu. Despite legal challenges from Ribadu, the Appeal Court reinstated her candidacy after an initial nullification by the Federal High Court.

The 2023 general election saw a significant controversy when the Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari, prematurely declared Binani as the winner. This declaration was quickly nullified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leading to an investigation and the eventual arrest of Ari. The official results later confirmed that the incumbent Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP, won the election, with Binani as the runner-up.

Following the election, Binani continued her legal battle, challenging INEC's decision to nullify Ari's declaration. However, in December 2023, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed her appeal and affirmed Fintiri's governorship, emphasizing the illegality of Ari's premature announcement.

Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, known for her resilience and commitment to public service, has made significant contributions to Nigerian politics. Her journey from a senator to a gubernatorial candidate reflects her determination and the growing influence of women in Nigerian political affairs.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aishatu_Dahiru_Ahmed