2027: Ombugadu Emerges as APC Deputy Guber Candidate in Nasarawa
Sule, Wadada Secure Stakeholders’ Backing for Former Governorship Aspirant
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has settled on Emmanuel Michael Ombugadu as the running mate to its 2027 governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.
Ombugadu’s emergence followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders and aspirants for the deputy governorship slot at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, on Monday.
Announcing the decision after the meeting, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule said all those who expressed interest in the position had agreed beforehand to support whoever was eventually selected.
He described the decision as another demonstration of the spirit of unity within the APC, stressing that the party must approach the 2027 election as one united family.
“We cannot go into these elections divided. That is the reason we invited this meeting, so that we can keep together, make a decision together, and go together,” Governor Sule said.
The Governor also commended stakeholders for responding to the invitation despite the short notice, explaining that the meeting was relocated to Abuja because of his official engagements, including the North Central Development Commission summit, where he served as Chief Host, as well as preparations for his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Wadada Endorses Running Mate Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada welcomed the emergence of Ombugadu, describing the choice as a decision of the party leadership that also took zoning considerations into account.
The APC governorship candidate expressed confidence in his new running mate and appealed to other aspirants who had contested for the position to accept the outcome and remain committed to the party.
He particularly appealed to Dr. Kigbu, who had been widely considered a strong contender for the position, urging him and other aspirants to accept the decision as the will of God.
“Together we shall weather the storm,” Wadada declared.
Ombugadu: I Accept the Responsibility.
In his reaction, Ombugadu expressed gratitude to Governor Sule, Senator Wadada and other APC stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him.
He described his emergence as a critical decision aimed at strengthening the cohesion of the party ahead of the 2027 election.
“I feel highly elated, and I take it as the will of God for me to be in this capacity. I thank the Governor and all the stakeholders of the state for this very critical decision,” Ombugadu said.
He also acknowledged the interests of other aspirants, noting that while some may have felt disappointed, they had demonstrated commitment by pledging loyalty to the APC and agreeing to work for the party's success.
The development is expected to strengthen the APC's campaign structure as Senator Wadada and Ombugadu prepare to lead the party's governorship ticket into the 2027 election.
The emergence of Ombugadu now places unity, reconciliation and grassroots mobilisation at the centre of the APC's strategy as the party moves towards 2027.
