Thousands of Eggon stakeholders in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have endorsed Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 elections, for the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ombugadu, who recently defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), received the endorsement during a massive stakeholders’ meeting attended by political leaders, community representatives, women and youth groups from across the Eggon nation.

Those present at the gathering included the Nasarawa North PDP Zonal Chairman, Hon. Jacob Ali, PDP officials at the local government and ward levels, as well as officials of the Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA), the ECDA Women Wing and the Eggon Youth Association, among other stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering on Thursday , Ombugadu explained that his decision to leave the PDP was influenced by the lingering internal crisis within the party.
According to him, the legal battles and leadership tussles among key figures in the PDP had weakened the party’s structure and affected members at the grassroots.

“Why I left the PDP was because there was practically no PDP. The party is in court and the court is holding the PDP. The big men of the PDP are fighting themselves and it is affecting us at the low level,” he said.

He said the situation forced him to reconsider his political future and seek a viable platform that would enable him effectively serve his people.
“If I was to contest for an elective position in the state, which party would I have joined? I had to think deeply about it,” he stated.

Ombugadu said after careful reflection he decided to align with the ruling party in order to better attract development to Nasarawa North.

“The wisdom of Solomon entered me and I decided to join the moving train and to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I saw the light which many people are yet to see,” he said.

He added that many Nigerians from different backgrounds were already rallying behind the President. “Today many people are joining Tinubu — the rich, the poor, professors, doctors, governors and all kinds of people. The essence is to give my people the dividends of democracy,” he said.

The former PDP governorship candidate said contesting under the ruling party would make it easier for him to deliver meaningful development to the people if elected into the Senate.

“For me to work effectively in the Senate when I win the election under the ruling party, bringing employment opportunities and other dividends of democracy to my people will be very easy,” he added.

Ombugadu also expressed support for the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, describing him as a committed leader who has demonstrated determination in infrastructural development across Nasarawa State.
According to him, the governor’s projects are spread across the three senatorial zones of the state.

“Governor Sule has shown character, strength and the will to develop the state. He is transforming Nasarawa and working in all zones,” Ombugadu said.
“There is a flyover in the northern zone, another in the southern zone and one in the western zone. There is also another one in Karu. This shows he has the people in mind.”

He therefore urged residents of the state to continue supporting the governor to enable him consolidate on his development agenda.

Reacting to speculations that he may emerge as a deputy governor to another aspirant, Ombugadu dismissed the claim, describing it as a plot by political detractors.“That is the language of blackmailers. They are distractors and people should not pay attention to such fallacies,” he said.

“For all I know, 2027 will decide. Governor Sule is our own and when the time comes we will know what to do.”

Earlier, a woman leader Mrs. Mary Anzaku who spoke on behalf of the women expressed strong support for Ombugadu, describing him as a symbol of hope for the Eggon people.

She said many women now see him as the face of the Eggon nation.
According to her, his leadership qualities remind them of the late Eggon political leader, Godiya Akwashiki.

“We see Ombugadu as the face of the Eggon nation. To us he is a replica of the late Godiya Akwashiki. We urge him to continue doing the good work,” she said, pledging the continued support of women in the area.

Ombugadu, while thanking the people for their massive support and turnout, announced that he would reward supporters who promote the Tinubu and Ombugadu 2027 political movement.
He promised a cash reward of N3 million to anyone who composes and sings a good campaign song promoting President Tinubu and his senatorial ambition.

He also donated several millions of naira to support logistics for the thousands of supporters who attended the meeting.