Sen. Mohamed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District has announced his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to pursue his gubernatorial ambition in Nasarawa State.
The Senator elected under the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023, left the PDP due to the crises rocking the party and joined ADC, but again left ADC after the governorship primaries that he said were manipulated.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Lafia Onawo said his decision to leave the ADC was after wide consultations with constituents, elders, political associates and critical stakeholders across the state.
According to him, the move was driven by the need for a new platform that aligns with his vision of inclusive governance, grassroots development, and unity in Nasarawa State.
The Senator described the ADC governorship primaries in Nasarawa State as a shame and worse than what made them leave PDP in the first place.
“I am not a forensic expert, but by physical examination, you can see that the whole result of the primaries was written by one person and there was no deliberate effort to see if this could be addressed and I felt that was not a home I should stay in.
“I was ready to accept the result and stay and work for the party if there was a fair level playing ground for us who contested. But the result was manipulated with impunity.
“I have served our people diligently in the Senate, and I believe the time has come to take that service to a higher level.
“After due consultation, I have decided to pitch my tent with APM and to answer the call to contest for the governorship of Nasarawa State in 2027,” he said.
He noted that the state needs a leader who understands the state’s diversity and can unite all ethnic and religious groups.
Onawo explained that he came with political experience, legislative exposure, and a strong grassroots structure, especially in Nasarawa South and said he is a credible alternative for the people in 2027.
“As a two-term House of Representatives member, Former Speaker of the state House of Assembly and now a Senator, I have built alliances across the state and beyond therefore, I will be the next governor of the state by the grace of God,” he stressed.
He promised that his administration would be people-centred and focused on delivering prosperity to every household building on his previous and present scorecards.
Onawo expressed optimism that APM would clinch the governorship of the state if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts a free, fair and credible election in 2027. (NAN).
