Donatus Mathew, the former commercial motorcycle rider who shocked political observers by winning the Kaura Federal Constituency seat in Kaduna State under the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, has lost his bid to return to the House of Representatives in 2027.

Mathew, who defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2024, was defeated in the APC primary election ahead of the next general election.

The former lawmaker reportedly secured only 255 votes during the APC primary, while his opponent polled 1,085 votes to clinch the party’s ticket.

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Mathew became a national political sensation during the 2023 elections after defeating a four-term incumbent lawmaker in one of the biggest upsets linked to the “Obi wave” that accompanied former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s campaign.

Running on the Labour Party platform, Mathew polled 10,508 votes, narrowly defeating his closest rival, who secured 10,297 votes.

His victory was widely celebrated as a symbol of grassroots political participation and the growing influence of ordinary Nigerians in national politics.

Why He Left Labour Party

In December 2024, Mathew dumped the Labour Party for the APC, citing internal crises within the opposition party and the need for political stability.

Defending his decision at the time, he said:

“I am taking this decision based on conviction. There are people within the constituency who are convinced that it is the right decision for them, while others are sceptical and waiting for the outcome.”

Political Journey

Born in 1988 in Kpak, Kagoro Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mathew attended:

• LGEA Primary School, Kadarko
• Saint Jani Seminary School
• Teachers’ College, Kagoro

He later obtained a degree in Philosophy from Saint Albert Institute.

Before entering politics, he worked as an okada rider, a period he once described as a difficult but necessary phase of survival amid unemployment and economic hardship.

Other Defectors Who Lost APC Tickets

Mathew is among several former Labour Party lawmakers who defected to the APC but failed to secure return tickets during the party primaries.

Others reportedly affected include:

• Esosa Iyawe (Oredo Federal Constituency, Edo State)
• Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South)
• Tochukwu Okere (Imo)
• Bassey Akiba (Cross River)
• Daulyop Fom (Plateau)

The development has sparked renewed political debate over party defections and the changing dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.