According to a report by Vanguard Newspapers on Thursday May 21 2026, In a striking reminder of the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, Hon. Donatus Mathew, the former commercial motorcyclist turned federal lawmaker, has failed to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for the 2027 elections.
Mathew, who represents Kaura Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, rose to national prominence in 2023 as one of the notable upset winners under the Labour Party (LP) banner. A grassroots symbol during the “Obi wave,” the 1988-born politician defeated a four-term incumbent with a narrow margin of 211 votes, polling 10,508. His journey from riding okada to sustain himself through unemployment to the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly captured public imagination as proof that humble beginnings need not bar political ambition.
Educated at local schools in Kagoro and holding a degree in Philosophy from Saint Albert Institute, Mathew once proudly declared his motorcycle-riding past: “Before I became a councillor, I was an okada man… That is my humble beginning.”
His tenure, however, took a decisive turn in December 2024 when he defected to the APC, citing internal crises in the LP and a quest for political stability. The move drew sharp criticism from supporters who viewed it as a betrayal of the movement that propelled him to office.
During the APC primaries concluded recently, Mathew managed only 255 votes against his rival’s 1,085, becoming one of approximately 70 members of the 10th National Assembly unlikely to return. Several other defectors from the LP shared similar fates across states.
Political analysts see the outcome as emblematic of the challenges defectors face in navigating established party structures and the lingering loyalty of constituents to the platforms that first gave them opportunity. Mathew’s story underscores broader questions about political loyalty, gratitude, and the sustainability of grassroots mandates in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape.
As the 2027 race intensifies, his experience offers a cautionary tale: rapid ascents built on popular waves can prove fragile when alliances shift. Whether Mathew returns to private enterprise or charts a new political course remains to be seen. For now, the “okada rider” lawmaker’s chapter in the Green Chamber appears headed toward closure.
