Politics / 21 Jul 2025

Ex-Nasarawa deputy governor John Abdul named ADC interim chairman amid major PDP defections

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Ex-Nasarawa deputy governor John Abdul named ADC interim chairman amid major PDP defections

Former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, John Michael Abdul, has been appointed as the interim chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, following a wave of high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abdul’s appointment was ratified by the national leadership of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and was officially unveiled during a coalition meeting held in Akwanga, Akwanga Local Government Area.

The former deputy governor, a key figure in Nasarawa’s PDP bloc, now leads a growing coalition of political heavyweights crossing over to the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the same event, former PDP stalwart Jibrin Sabo Keana was named state secretary of the party, while Senator Patricia Akwashiki joined the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT).

Also present at the meeting were several prominent political figures, including two former federal ministers—Musa Elayo (former Minister of State for Justice), who defected from the PDP, and Mohammed Abdullahi (former Minister of Environment), who resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other attendees included:

  • Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe, a three-term senator
  • General Nuhu Angbazo (rtd), 2023 PDP gubernatorial aspirant
  • Abdulkarim Ombamas, former House of Representatives member
  • ESV Dr. Umar Musa Galadima and Mr. Nathaniel Aboki, 2023 PDP senatorial candidate
  • Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, current Senator for Nasarawa South
  • Miss Farida Umar, former PDP National Ex Officio aspirant
  • Mr. William Alaku and several others

During the meeting, stakeholders expressed a shared commitment to strengthening the ADC’s political machinery in Nasarawa State and beyond. They pledged to work collectively toward grassroots mobilisation, party unity, and success in the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, Abdul, who now coordinates the coalition’s efforts in the state, called on prospective members and supporters to remain patient as the party prepares to expand engagements across all levels.

“A more inclusive and broad-based meeting will be convened soon to further consolidate our structures,” Abdul assured.

The coalition also underscored the importance of fairness, internal democracy, and strategic planning as the party positions itself as a credible alternative in the state’s political landscape.