Nasarawa State is experiencing a dramatic turn of events at a spate not witnessed in the recent political history of the state.
Prominent politician and two time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Emmanuel David Ombugadu in less than three weeks, resigned from the PDP, moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and within a few days, resigned from the APC and moved back to the PDP.
Ombugadu, first gained prominence in 2011 when he won the House of Representatives election for Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Constituency on the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) platform. Since then his profile has risen as his constituents say his stay at the National Assembly attracted numerous development projects.
In 2015, he defected to the PDP and won back his seat, with many attributing his victory to his track record which enabled him to expand his influence beyond his constituency.
Subsequently, his popularity soared and he defeated pother aspirants to emerge PDP’s governorship candidate in 2019 but lost to Governor Abdullahi Sule of the APC at the general elections.
Ombugadu ran again for governor in 2023 but lost to Gov Sule once more in a keenly contested election that saw the two leading contenders battling at the courts with the tribunal initially declaring him the winner, only for the Appeal Court and Supreme Court to overturn the decision.
Post-election, Ombugadu continued to play a key role in the PDP, with some accusing him of hijacking the party’s leadership process to secure the 2027 governorship ticket. This led to crisis in the party and exodus of stakeholders to other parties.
Pundits believe these challenges, coupled with the crises at the national-level, were trouble enough for the PDP in Nasarawa compelling those intending to contest on the party’s platform to leave.
Ombugadu, in his resignation letter cited internal conflicts and leadership tussles as reasons for his exit from the PDP. He explained that consultations with his supporters led to his decision, stating that the party’s situation had made his “political path unclear”.
In the letter, the former governorship candidate added that the prevailing situation in the PDP, with two factions emerging factions, had made his “political destination hazy” and subsequently registered with the APC, citing support for President Bola Tinubu’s transformation agenda and Governor Sule’s development efforts as his motivation for defecting.
Many PDP faithfuls were shocked by Ombugadu’s move as his decision to join the APC sparked speculations about his future plans and implications for the PDP raising questions about the PDP’s stability and ability to challenge the APC in 2027.
Supporters of Ombugadu claimedt he was making a strategic move and positioning himself for a potential win in 2027while the APC welcomed him as they viewed it as a chance to bolster the party’s chances in the upcoming elections.
Ombugadu then dismissed reports that he joined APC to be offered a deputy governor slot in 2027, stating that his goal is to serve the people and bring progress to Nasarawa State.
He made his intention for leaving the PDP clear, he said, “I will contest the senatorial seat by-election of Nasarawa North to replace the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, and by God’s grace, I will go to the Senate and then contest for governor of the state in 2027.”
However suddenly again, the drama took another dimension, with reports of his resignation from the APC. Sources cite concerns over his governorship ambition being frustrated by the ruling party.
Our correspondent heard the former lawmaker bowed out of the APC when he learnt the by election to fill the senate seat in his zone may not before the party primaries hence decided to forgo that for now.
Though he hasn’t officially announced his comeback to the Ombugadu was spotted at the PDP national convention in Abuja which some say has confirmed his return.
Sources close to the politician also onfirmed that his appearance and activities at the convention meant he has returned to the party.
Supporters of the Ombugadu expressed optimism about his future with the party.
Many are surprised with the developed given the challenges he may face in the days ahead. These include the fact that the party’s state chairman has been suspended, adding to the crisis.
Lazarus Salaki, a young politician in the state, in his reaction to Ombugadu’s recent defections, described it as a “strange scenario” that raises concerns about the politician’s stability and trustworthiness.
Salaki believes this move will erode public confidence in former lawmaker citing inconsistency and breach of trust.
He questioned the timing of Ombugadu’s defection, pointing out that the APC registration portal had been closed, making it difficult for his supporters to register. He suggested that Ombugadu may have miscalculated, leading to his swift resignation from the APC.
A former commissioner in the State, Professor Salihu Ahmed Alizaga, urged Ombugadu to address the public on his sudden resignation from the APC, citing concerns over the timing and motivations behind the move.
Alizaga believes Ombugadu’s decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to contribute to the party’s transformation agenda, but feels he was let down by those who failed to fulfill their promises.
“Ombugadu needs to further address the public, particularly his supporters, on why he took such action at this moment to properly convince the public to believe his decision,” Alizaga said.
The professor described Ombugadu’s political prospects as “very bright”, citing his track record of delivering projects across the state and his commitment to transforming the lives of Nasarawa citizens.
He said,”Ombugadu is not a tribalist or a religious bigot; he’s a politician with a vision for the state,” Alizaga said. “We brought him into politics and we know what he’s capable of.”
Ombugadu’s actions have sparked intense debate, with some praising his pragmatism and others calling it ‘opportunistic.’
His ambition to become governor in 2027 some say remains uncertain as the recent moves he made have added fresh issues to his public image.
Another thing is that the PDP is passing through crisis and they’ll need to regroup and strategize to reclaim lost ground.
As Governor Sule is completing his second term, he wont be contesting for the governorship in 2027 hence it is doubtful if whoever would emerge as the APC candidate would have the kind of clout the outgoing governor had to defeat Ombugadu if he clinches the PDP ticket.
Professor Musa Yusha’u Dalhatu, a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration and Political Science at Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, who shares his views on Ombugadu’s frequent defections described Ombugadu as a typical Nigerian politician who prioritizes winning positions over the interests of the masses or any political ideology.
“His decision to join the ruling APC was likely driven by personal interests and promises made to him but soon realized that his interests couldn’t be achieved.”
The Professor believes the politician’s return to PDP was due to failed consultations before moving to APC and pressure from his constituents and the masses.
He said, “The politician’s actions may have consequences, with some questioning his integrity and commitment to their cause.”
The battle for Nasarawa state’s top job is heating up and the likely outcome remains unpredictable.