Nasarawa senator, Onawo dumps ADC for APM, cites internal crisis

Senator Ogoshi Onawo has officially left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), citing internal party strife. The senator representing Nasarawa South announced his defection on Tuesday, with his letter read during plenary by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.

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The lawmaker said he had consequently joined APM to continue pursuing his mandate and thanked his supporters and well-wishers for their trust and cooperation.

Onawo stated that his resignation, effective June 15, followed careful reflection and consultations. He pointed to prevailing circumstances within the ADC, including issues with the party's internal structure and ongoing legal disputes. These factors, he explained, undermined the cohesion and support necessary for effective constituent representation.

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democracy thrives on the freedom of citizens and political office holders to associate with parties of their choice.

Following the announcement, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (ADC-Sokoto) acknowledged Onawo's constitutional right to freedom of association. However, Deputy Senate President Barau commented on the irony of defections within the ADC, a party positioning itself as a strong opposition. Tambuwal urged Barau to remain non-partisan while presiding, a suggestion Barau accepted while maintaining his right to offer guidance.

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it was ironic that ADC, which had projected itself as a strong opposition platform, was already witnessing defections before fully consolidating.