2027: Southern Nasarawa Endorses Ombugadu as Preferred Governorship Candidate

By David Odama

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders, party supporters, and other faithful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Southern Senatorial Zone of Nasarawa State have endorsed the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Davis Ombugadu, as their sole candidate for the 2027 polls.

This decision followed an extraordinary meeting of critical stakeholders of the PDP in the Nasarawa South Senatorial District, held on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The gathering, which drew participants across the various LGAs, unanimously resolved to support Ombugadu in the forthcoming governorship election.

It would be recalled that this movement began a year ago, aimed at consolidating hope for the liberation of Nasarawa State.

In a statement jointly signed by the Grand Patron, Hon. Matthew Attah Akwe, and Patron, Elder Mark Ogbole, the speakers outlined the reasons for endorsing Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ombugadu as their preferred candidate for the next general elections.

They explained that their decision was based on the massive acceptance and overwhelming support Ombugadu enjoyed as the PDP governorship candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.

“His Excellency, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, PhD, by records and by the desire of the good people of Nasarawa State, remains the most credible, popular, marketable, and widely accepted figure in the political landscape. Undoubtedly, Hon. David Ombugadu—fondly called ‘Mai Wanka Palapala’—is a household name across the nooks and crannies of Nasarawa State,” the stakeholders stated.

Highlighting his achievements, they pointed to Ombugadu’s two-term tenure as representative of the Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. His contributions in health (NHIS enrollment, building of clinics, provision of ambulances), women empowerment, youth skill acquisition, rural and urban electrification, and potable water supply earned him the name “Aiki Palapala.”

The statement further assured that as the 2027 elections draw closer, the masses and electorate of Nasarawa State—who are eagerly awaiting positive change—will be mobilized to support Ombugadu.

“It is now unanimously sealed, stamped, and affirmed that Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, PhD, is the candidate to watch by members of the PDP in Nasarawa South Senatorial District. We call on him to contest for the number one seat in the state with the full confidence that the people are solidly behind him,” the statement read.

They described him as the “unsworn governor,” noting that his recent declaration to contest in 2027 was met with widespread jubilation, joy, and excitement across the state.

“To us, this is a mission fulfilled, the right step in the right direction, and a clear sign of putting a round peg in a round hole to usher in the Nasarawa State of our collective dreams,” the stakeholders declared.

It was also recalled that during a meeting of about 400 elders, women, and youths, Alhaji Usman Attah moved a motion for Ombugadu’s adoption as the PDP governorship candidate for 2027. The motion was seconded by Chief Ambrose Agwale (JP) and unanimously affirmed with a thunderous voice vote by the congress.