Ombugadu Dumps PDP for APC, Tells Sule: “I’m Tired of Being Opposition Leader
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
In a dramatic political twist, Hon. David Ombugadu, the two-time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that he is “tired” of leading the opposition after eight years.
Ombugadu made the declaration on Tuesday at the Government House in Lafia during the APC caucus meeting, shortly before the party’s state congress held at Lafia Square.
Addressing party stakeholders in the presence of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Ombugadu admitted that his years in opposition were dedicated to challenging and attempting to discredit the governor’s policies.
“I spent eight years on the other side, policing the policy of my elder brother. My task was to de-market his policies and the party. At every time, anything that is good, we paint it black,” Ombugadu stated.
From Opposition to Progressives
Ombugadu, who contested against Governor Sule in the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections and pursued both cases up to the Supreme Court without success, said his close scrutiny of the administration ultimately convinced him to return to the ruling party.
According to him, his decision was driven by the desire to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Nasarawa State.
“Having scrutinised his policies and performances, I have come to realise that the best thing for our people and for the progress of Nasarawa State is to join the progressives and bring value to the table,” he said.
The former House of Representatives member, who represented Akwanga/Nassarawa/Eggon Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2015, clarified that his earlier exit from the APC in 2015 was not due to the party’s weakness but rather internal interests within his zone.
He acknowledged the foundational roles played by former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu in building the party in the state.
Ombugadu further hinted that more of his supporters, including General Hashim, would soon join the APC.
Sule: “No More Opposition in Nasarawa”
Welcoming Ombugadu and other returnees, Governor Sule commended stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the party’s congresses from ward to state level.
He also received the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly and Senator Philip Gyunka, who recently returned to the APC.
Governor Sule announced that a grand reception would soon be organised to formally welcome the new entrants.
“Whatever has happened has happened. Let it go. With the way we are going, there is no more opposition in Nasarawa State. We from within cannot be our own opposition,” the Governor declared.
Aliyu Bello Affirmed as APC Chairman
Shortly after the defection, the APC conducted its state congress at Lafia Square, where Dr. Aliyu Bello was affirmed as the State Chairman.
In his acceptance remarks, Bello pledged fairness and justice to all aspirants seeking elective positions under the party’s platform.
“We will be fair and just to everybody who wishes to aspire on our platform. We assure the Governor of our loyalty to his government and to the party,” Bello said.
Governor Sule also reassured former executives who were not returned that they remain relevant in the party, noting that other opportunities would be made available to them.
The development signals a major political realignment in Nasarawa State ahead of future electoral contests, further strengthening the APC’s dominance in the state.
