Bye -Election: Akwashiki Family adopts PDP senatorial flag-bearer as Son

…..Seeks Support for his Senate ambition

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The family of the late Senator Solomon Ewuga Akwashiki has adopted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election, Mr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, as one of its sons.

And appealed to the people of the zone to support his senatorial ambition ahead of the June 20 poll.

Ombugadu, who paid a courtesy visit to the country home of the late senator in Akwanga Local Government Area, was warmly received by members of the family, political associates, supporters, and community leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the family on Monday in an interview a family  representative expressed appreciation for Ombugadu’s visit and described the relationship between the PDP candidate and the late senator as cordial and longstanding.

“We have adopted Ombugadu as our son because of the respect and loyalty he showed to our father while he was alive. 

We are happy that he found it necessary to come and identify with the family,” the spokesman said.

The family, however, clarified that it had not endorsed any candidate for the forthcoming bye-election.

“We have not endorsed anybody. As a family, we are praying for all the candidates participating in the election. We believe the people of Nasarawa North will make their choice. 

Whoever emerges victorious will receive our support and prayers because the election is about the development of our people,” he added.

The spokesman further urged politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electioneering period and after the poll.

Addressing journalists shortly after the visit, Ombugadu thanked the family for the honour bestowed on him, describing the adoption as emotional and deeply significant.

“I am highly honoured by what happened today. The family has adopted me as a son, and I do not take that lightly. Let me make it clear that they did not endorse me as a candidate;.

They simply accepted me as one of their own because of the relationship I shared with the late Senator Akwashiki and his family,” he said.

The PDP candidate noted that the late senator played an important role in the political development of Nasarawa North and left behind a legacy of service, humility, and commitment to the people.

“Senator Akwashiki was a father to many of us. His contributions to the growth of our communities and the advancement of democracy remain remarkable.

Coming here today was not about politics alone; it was about honouring a man whose life touched many people across the district,” Ombugadu stated.

He pledged to continue consulting widely across the three  local government areas that make up the senatorial district and promised to provide quality representation if elected.

“I am encouraged by the support and goodwill I continue to receive from different stakeholders. 

My commitment remains to serve the people with sincerity, promote inclusive development, and ensure that the voice of Nasarawa North is heard clearly at the National Assembly. 

“I urge our supporters to remain peaceful and focused as we approach the election,” Ombugadu said.