Sen. Mohammed Onawo has defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and declared his intention to contest the 2027 Nasarawa governorship election.
The lawmaker representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District said his decision followed extensive consultations with political elders, associates and key stakeholders.
Onawo insisted that the new platform better reflects his vision of inclusive governance, grassroots development and unity.
The senator announced his defection and governorship bid during a news conference on Wednesday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
In the press briefing, Senator Onawo accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of conducting a flawed governorship primary, alleging that the exercise was manipulated and lacked transparency.
He said the party failed to address concerns raised over the process, leaving him with no option but to leave.
“This move is driven by the need for a new platform that aligns with my vision of inclusive governance, grassroots development and unity in Nasarawa State,” he said.
Describing the ADC governorship primary as a “sham,” the senator alleged that the outcome was predetermined and even worse than the circumstances that prompted his earlier exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I am not a forensic expert, but by physical examination, the whole result of the governorship primaries of the ADC was written by one person.
“There was no deliberate effort by the party to address the anomaly; I felt such a place is not a home I should remain.
“I was ready to accept the outcome and work for the party if there was a level playing ground for the candidates. But the result was manipulated with impunity,” he said.
Onawo also formally announced his ambition to contest the state’s highest office, saying he was prepared to build on his years of public service.
“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.
The senator expressed confidence that his political experience and grassroots support place him in a strong position ahead of the next governorship race.
He noted that his previous roles as a two-term member of the House of Representatives, former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and serving senator have enabled him to build alliances across the state.
“As a two-term member of the House of Representatives, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and now a senator, I have built alliances across the state and beyond.
“Therefore, I have all the experience and credentials to be the next governor of the state,” he added.
Onawo pledged to run an all-inclusive administration if elected, promising to unite the state’s ethnic and religious groups while prioritising development and prosperity for residents.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible governorship election in 2027.
The Guild reports that Onawo was elected to the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election before later leaving the PDP for the African Democratic Congress.
His latest move marks another shift in his political career ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.