A former commercial motorcycle rider turned federal lawmaker, Donatus Mathew, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 elections after defecting from the Labour Party to the ruling party.
Mathew, who gained national attention during the 2023 general elections for his unexpected victory in the Kaura Federal Constituency race, was defeated in the APC primary election held on May 16, 2026.
The lawmaker lost to Benjamin Gugong, who emerged winner with 1,085 votes, while Mathew secured only 255 votes in the keenly contested primary.
Donatus Mathew had made headlines in 2023 after defeating established political figures under the Labour Party platform with 10,508 votes, a victory widely regarded as one of the surprising upsets of the election season. His rise from being an okada rider to becoming a member of the House of Representatives inspired many young Nigerians and grassroots supporters.
However, in December 2024, the lawmaker officially defected to the All Progressives Congress, a move that generated mixed reactions among his supporters and political observers.
Following his defeat in the APC primary, several Labour Party supporters reacted online, criticizing his defection and questioning his legislative performance during his time in office. Some commentators claimed the lawmaker failed to sponsor significant bills or motions throughout his tenure in the National Assembly.
Political analysts say the outcome reflects the growing uncertainty surrounding political defections in Nigeria, especially as politicians continue to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development also highlights the intense competition within major political parties as aspirants battle for party tickets.
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Despite the setback, observers believe Mathew’s political journey remains one of the most talked-about grassroots success stories in recent Nigerian politics.
