The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been hit with another significant political setback following the resignation of a serving senator from Nasarawa State.
Senator's Formal Resignation Letter
Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, who represents the Nasarawa South Senatorial District, officially ended his membership with the PDP in a letter dated January 10, 2026. The letter was addressed to the party leadership in Galadimawa Ward, Doma Local Government Area of the state.
In the correspondence, the senator stated that his decision was made after careful thought and was purely for personal reasons. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the party's leadership, members, and supporters for the platform and cooperation afforded to him over the years, allowing him to serve his constituents in various capacities.
A Veteran Politician's Exit
Senator Onawo is not a newcomer to the political arena. His extensive career includes being a former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. He has been elected to public office on five separate occasions:
- Twice to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, representing Doma North.
- Twice to the House of Representatives, representing the Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency.
- Once to the Senate, representing Nasarawa South.
His departure, therefore, represents the loss of a deeply experienced and influential figure for the PDP in the state.
Expected Move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Speculations about the senator's next political move have been rife for months. According to reports, including one from Daily Trust, Senator Onawo has been strongly linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This connection was fueled when he was publicly seen attending an ADC meeting in July 2025. Political sources indicate that he is expected to formally declare his membership in the ADC when the Nigerian Senate resumes its plenary sessions. This move would further weaken the PDP's structure and influence in Nasarawa State.
A Growing Trend of Defections
This incident is not an isolated one for the opposition PDP. It follows a pattern of high-profile exits that have plagued the party in recent times.
Just weeks earlier, in December 2025, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection letter was read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Furthermore, in a related development, four members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State—Boniface Emerengwa, Boma Goodhead, Awaji Nombet Abiante (all from PDP), and one from the Labour Party—also defected to the APC in December 2025, citing the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP as a key reason.
The resignation of Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo marks a continuing period of challenge for the PDP as it struggles to retain its key members and consolidate its strength ahead of future electoral contests.
