Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, who represents the Nasarawa South Senatorial District, has formally resigned his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as the party’s persistent internal crisis and seemingly endless legal battles at the national level.
Onawo’s resignation was conveyed in a letter dated July 2, 2026, and addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman in Galadimawa Ward, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. According to the letter, which was reviewed by a correspondent on Sunday, the senator stated that his resignation took effect retroactively from June 15, 2026.
Why the Senator Left
In the letter, Onawo explained that the ongoing internal wrangling and protracted legal disputes within the ADC had made it increasingly difficult for him to focus on the developmental mandate he received from his constituents. He emphasized that the party’s current environment no longer provided the cohesion or support necessary for effective representation.
“It is driven by my firm belief that the prevailing circumstances within the current party structure and the endless legal battles it is currently embroiled in no longer provide the cohesion, support, and enabling environment for me to focus squarely on effectively representing my constituents and to fully realise the developmental and progressive mandate they entrusted to me,” Onawo wrote.
Context and Implications
The departure of a sitting senator is a significant blow to any political party, particularly one already grappling with internal fractures. For the ADC, losing a lawmaker of Onawo’s stature underscores the depth of the organizational challenges the party faces at the national level. While the senator did not specify the exact nature of the legal disputes or internal crises, his decision signals that these issues have reached a point where they are interfering with legislative work and constituent service.
For voters in Nasarawa South, the change raises immediate questions about the senator’s next political move and how his departure from the ADC will affect his ability to deliver on campaign promises and ongoing projects. Onawo’s resignation letter did not indicate whether he plans to join another party or serve out the remainder of his term as an independent.
What Happens Next
With the resignation now official, the ADC must fill the vacancy in its ranks, and the senator will need to decide his political future. The move also adds to the broader narrative of party instability in Nigeria’s political landscape, where lawmakers frequently shift allegiances amid internal disputes. Observers will be watching to see whether Onawo’s exit triggers further defections from the ADC or prompts the party to address the underlying issues he cited.
Source: Senator Ogoshi Onawo dumps ADC, over alleged internal crisis, endless legal battles
