Senator Mohammed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District, has defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election.

Speaking during a press conference in Lafia on Wednesday, the lawmaker said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders, associates and stakeholders across the state.

Explaining why he left the ADC, Onawo accused the party of conducting a governorship primary that lacked transparency and fairness. He alleged that the exercise was manipulated, describing it as worse than the circumstances that earlier forced him to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which he was elected senator in 2023 before later joining the ADC.

According to him, the governorship primary did not provide contestants with a level playing field, adding that the results appeared to have been prepared by a single individual. He maintained that although he was willing to accept defeat in a credible contest, he could not remain in a political party where alleged manipulation went unaddressed.

The senator explained that Onawo joins APM because the party offers a platform that aligns with his vision of inclusive governance, grassroots development and unity in Nasarawa State.

He said the decision was reached after broad consultations and careful consideration of the state’s political future. Onawo also announced that he would seek the governorship under the APM platform, expressing confidence that his years of public service have prepared him for the state’s highest office.

The senator said Nasarawa needs a leader capable of uniting its diverse ethnic and religious communities while delivering meaningful development across the state.

Highlighting his political experience, Onawo pointed to his record as a two-term member of the House of Representatives, former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, and serving senator, saying the experience has helped him build strong political relationships across the state.

He pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would pursue inclusive governance and policies aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of all residents.

Onawo also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible governorship election in 2027. He expressed confidence that the electorate would support his ambition, insisting that his political experience, legislative background and grassroots support position him strongly for the governorship contest.