By Yahaya Idris
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) suffered another political setback on Wednesday as Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, the member representing Udege/Loko Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, formally resigned from the party and joined the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The latest defection further reshapes the political arithmetic in the 24-member Assembly, leaving the APC with 12 lawmakers, while the opposition now also controls 12 seats, comprising seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and five SDP lawmakers.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, announced the development during plenary in Lafia after reading the lawmaker’s resignation letter.
In the letter, Hon. Onarigu said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, political associates, stakeholders and constituents.
He attributed his resignation to what he described as widespread irregularities that characterized the recently concluded APC primary elections.
“This difficult decision comes after deep personal reflection and wide consultations with my family, stakeholders and the good people of my constituency.
“Regrettably, the events, widespread irregularities and the overall outcome of the just-concluded primary elections made it impossible for me to continue my political journey under the platform of the APC. I have chosen to pitch my tent with the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” the letter read.
The lawmaker added that he believes the SDP provides a more progressive platform to advance the interests of his constituents.
Responding shortly after the announcement, Speaker Jatau wished the lawmaker success in his new political journey.
Speaking with journalists after the plenary, Hon. Onarigu reiterated that alleged irregularities during the APC primaries informed his decision to leave the ruling party.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the APC for providing him the opportunity to serve the people of Udege/Loko Constituency.
“Despite these challenges, I remain deeply thankful to the APC for the platform, cooperation and opportunities it afforded me to serve my constituents and the state. I appreciate the party leadership and every colleague I worked with during my time in the fold,” he said.
The legislator also thanked his constituents for their continued support, assuring them that his commitment to delivering democratic dividends remains unwavering under his new political platform.
The latest defection comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and is expected to intensify competition between the ruling APC and opposition parties in Nasarawa State.
Assembly Passes Bill Empowering COE Akwanga to Award Degrees
In a related development, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly passed into law a bill amending the College of Education Akwanga Law 2023, upgrading the institution to a degree-awarding college.
Announcing the passage of the bill during Wednesday’s plenary, Speaker Danladi Jatau said the legislation would significantly improve higher education standards in the state by empowering the institution to award bachelor’s degrees.
He directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the bill to Governor Abdullahi Sule for assent.
Earlier, the Majority Leader, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, moved the motion for the bill to scale third reading, while the Minority Leader, Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, seconded the motion.
The bill was unanimously passed by members, marking another milestone in Nasarawa State’s education sector reforms.