Why I ran back to PDP after few weeks in APC – Ombugadu

By Awayi Kuje

Mr David Ombugadu, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has explained why he hurriedly returned to the party after defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for few weeks.

Ombugadu, who contested the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections on the PDP platform had recently announced his defection to the APC with indications that he may be gearing up to contest for a senatorial seat on the platform of his new party.

He had cited prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP as the reason for his abandoning the party for the APC.

However, to the shock of his many, Ombugadu, popularly known as Davematics, announced his return to the PDP few weeks later.

Speaking during a visit to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital on Thursday, Ombugadu said he decided to return to PDP because the APC leaders in the state did not open the party’s e-registration portal for his supporters.

According to him, the closure of the registration portal made it difficult for his supporters and associates to formally join the APC, thereby hindering his political aspirations within the party.

“When I joined the APC, I did not demand to produce ward executives or seek any position at the party level.

“My request was for the party to open its e-registration portal to enable my supporters to register as members, but the portal remained closed,” he said.

Ombugadu explained that his decision to leave the APC after a brief stay was informed by the need to actualise his governorship ambition.

He declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state on the party’s platform.

“I am fully back to the PDP. We have the people and a workable blueprint to deliver development to the state,” he said.

He, however, declared his intention to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, giving the numerous projects and reforms embarked upon so far by the administration.

The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, said his visit to the NUJ chapel was to seek partnership and support.

He emphasised the role of the media in shaping public discourse and development.

“We are here to strengthen our relationship and seek your support in enriching our blueprint for the development of Nasarawa State, as journalists are the mirror of society,” he said.

Ombugadu also highlighted his past achievements in areas such as water supply, employment, empowerment and healthcare, pledging to build on them if elected governor in 2027.

He further disclosed his intention to contest the forthcoming by-election for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District seat.

“I will contest the Nasarawa North senatorial by-election to fill the vacant seat and subsequently pursue my governorship ambition in 2027,” he said.

According to him, if elected senator, he will facilitate projects and programmes that will improve the welfare of the people of the district.

Also speaking, Mr Francis Orogu, PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), urged the people of the state to support the party.

He said the PDP had credible plans and programmes capable of improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Orogu also expressed confidence in Ombugadu’s candidacy and called on party supporters to rally behind him.

(NAN)