2027: Ex-PDP guber candidate, Ombugadu dumps party for APC, give reasons

From Abel Zwanke,, Lafia

The Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has said his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a strategic political decision.

He said the defection is aimed at advancing the interest of the people and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Ombugadu made the disclosure at the weekend during a meeting with thousands of women under the platform of Advocates for Justice drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state.

The women, who were part of the PDP structure during the 2023 governorship election, appeared in their traditional black attire with inscriptions of Advocates for Justice in Nasarawa State, as they gathered in large numbers to reaffirm their support for the former opposition figure.

Addressing the crowd, Ombugadu said his years in the opposition had been a learning experience, but it had become necessary to open a new chapter in his political career by aligning with the ruling party in order to better serve the people.

He described his move to the APC as a strategic step aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilization in support of President Tinubu’s administration and his re-election bid in 2027.

According to him, his political strength lies in the organic support he enjoys among the people across the state.

“My decision to join the APC is a strategic move made in the interest of our people.

“I have been in the opposition for a long time, and I believe this is the time to open a new chapter in my political journey,” Ombugadu said.

“My assignment in the APC is simple to help deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and support his re-election in 2027. We know the people are with us, and they are in large numbers.”

Ombugadu noted that his supporters were not driven by financial inducement but by their belief in his leadership and personal connection with the grassroots.

“These supporters you see are organic followers. They are not here because of money but because of the passion they have for what we represent,” he stated.

He further revealed that plans were underway to massively expand the membership base of the APC in the state, adding that once the party opens its registration portal, his structure would mobilise over 300,000 new members into the party.

“Very soon the APC registration portal will be opened. Our target is to register more than 300,000 members into the party. This is part of our contribution to strengthening the APC in Nasarawa State,” he said.

The former PDP governorship candidate also disclosed his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the APC platform while urging his supporters, particularly the women, to join him in the ruling party.

“I am now a member of the APC, but my politics remains inclusive. Politicians across party lines are working with us because our mission is about the people,” he said.

“I urge all of you, especially the women, to follow me to the APC so that together we can deliver President Tinubu in 2027.”

Earlier, Chairman of the group, Mr. James Alu, said the gathering of the women from across the state was a demonstration of their unwavering support for Ombugadu.

He explained that the women were determined to stand by the former governorship candidate as he pursues his new political direction.

“We are here today to show our support in large numbers. These women believe in Dr. Ombugadu’s leadership and we will continue to support him to achieve his political vision,” Alu said.

Also speaking, the Women Leader of the group, Mrs. Hanatu John commended Ombugadu for his resilience and determination in the political arena.

She assured that the women would work tirelessly to mobilise support for both Ombugadu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the future elections.

“We admire his strength and resilience. As women, we will continue to support him and work for the success of President Tinubu and Dr. Ombugadu in the coming elections,” she said.