Politics
JUST IN: Fresh Trouble For Atiku as Powerful ADC Senator Resigns, Joins New Party
Senator Mohammed Onawo, who represents Nasarawa South Senatorial District, announced on Wednesday, August 5, that he has left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), using the occasion to formally declare his bid for the Nasarawa State governorship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onawo made the announcement at a news conference held in Lafia, the state capital. A development that could pose a threat to the ambition of Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate of the ADC.
Atiku, who was a former vice president of Nigeria, has been at the forefront of sacking President Bola Tinubu through the poll.
Vanguard reported that the senator was originally elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before switching to the ADC. His latest move marks his second party defection within a short period.
Why Onawo left the ADC Onawo blamed his exit on what he described as a “sham” governorship primary process within the ADC in Nasarawa State.
He said the conduct of the primaries was characterised by manipulation and a lack of democratic process, and described the situation as worse than the circumstances that pushed him out of the PDP.
He said the decision to defect followed broad consultations with elders, political associates, and key stakeholders across the state.
Onawo’s governorship pitch Pitching himself as the right candidate for the top job in Nasarawa, Onawo said the state needed a leader who genuinely understood the diversity of its people. He promised to pursue unity among the state’s various ethnic and religious groups if voted into office.
The senator said his years of political experience, legislative background, and grassroots connections had positioned him ahead of governorship candidates from other parties. He also pledged to run an all-inclusive government focused on delivering prosperity to every resident of the state.
Onawo used the occasion to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the 2027 elections are free, fair, and credible.
Former National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Ahmed Yayari, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside his supporters.
Hon. Yayari, who was a gubernatorial candidate under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki faction of the PDP, picked up his APC membership card at his Kalshingi Ward in Akko Local Government Area.
Speaking after receiving his membership card, Yayari, who served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, pledged to deploy his years of political experience, extensive networks and support base towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 elections.
He specifically expressed his commitment to supporting the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, as well as other APC candidates at both state and national levels.
The former PDP National Treasurer said his decision to join the APC was accompanied by a commitment to work with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters towards strengthening the party and delivering electoral success in 2027.
Our correspondent reports that Hon.Yayari’s defection comes amid a series of high-profile political realignments in the State, with prominent politicians and thousands of their supporters moving into the APC.
Political pundits said the move is significant given his previous roles at the national level of the PDP and his experience within Gombe State’s political establishment.
Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
We recalls that in February, Atiku and Aisha, the wife of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, first met in Saudi Arabia.
Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, describing the meeting with the former First Lady as “warm and deeply appreciated”.
The former Vice-President said the visit also highlighted the need for those seeking a better Nigeria to prioritise the welfare and future of Nigerians.
Atiku wrote, “Today, I was delighted to receive former First Lady, H.E. Aisha Buhari. Her visit was warm and deeply appreciated.”
He said families across the country were facing increasing pressure from the rising cost of essential goods and services, including food, transportation, education and healthcare.
He added, “Beyond the courtesies of the occasion, it was also a reminder of the urgent responsibility before all who seek a better Nigeria: to put the welfare, dignity and future of our people first.”
Atiku said Nigerians deserved an economy that would provide opportunities and enable families to live with dignity and hope.
He wrote, “Across our country, families are being stretched by the rising cost of food, transport, education, healthcare and other basic necessities. Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work, restores opportunity and allows every family to live with dignity and hope.”
He concluded, “That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again. We must ease the burden, restore hope and Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”
Lawmaker representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives, Usman Midala, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Balami has defected to the Accord Party, where he is set to seek another term in the House of Representatives
The lawmaker, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, made his decision after consultations with political leaders, supporters, family members and associates.
His resignation from the APC was contained in a letter dated September 15, 2026, and addressed to the party.
The letter was also endorsed by the APC ward chairman in Hawul Local Government Area.
Balami explained that his decision to leave the ruling party was linked to concerns over the conduct of its primary elections.
According to him, the process did not provide what he considered adequate conditions for credible, free, fair and transparent participation by aspirants.
The federal lawmaker also disclosed that he decided not to take part in the APC primary election because of the situation surrounding the process.
Despite his departure, Balami acknowledged the role played by the APC and its leaders during his time in the party.
He appreciated the party for giving him the platform to contest elections and serve his constituents, adding that his experience within the party contributed to his political development and public service.
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