Eggon Stakeholders Seek Unity, Adopt Ombugadu’s Manifesto Ahead of 2027

By David Odama

Stakeholders, ECDA members and youth opinion leaders in Eggon land have unanimously resolved to unite and work towards the realisation of their aspirations to control the affairs of Nasarawa State in 2027.

They also agreed to set aside their political differences and embrace unity, oneness and togetherness while shunning individualistic tendencies that have continued to deprive the Eggon people of their legitimate right to govern the state.

Speaking during a meeting with the Eggon Cultural Development Association (ECDA) and Eggon Youth Association (EYA) in Akwanga, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP),

Tanko Kigbu John, announced his decision to partner with the PDP candidate in what he described as an effort to unite political forces ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

According to the YPP governorship candidate, the decision to work with Ombugadu was informed by the need to forge a common front and avoid splitting votes among candidates seeking the governorship position from the same political enclave.

“Our people are suffering for lack of unity. This governorship seat is meant for one person, two people cannot occupy it at the same time. By the nature of our people and the way they are yearning for the governorship of this state, it is important that I should concede to him,” he said.

“If both of us are doing it, we will all lose. So, for me to allow both of us to lose, it is better I allow him to go. We work together to allow him to go,” Tanko declared.

Describing the arrangement as a rainbow movement, the YPP candidate pledged to sustain the partnership until Ombugadu emerges as the governor of Nasarawa State.

Also speaking, the President of Eggon Youth Worldwide, Comrade Friday Ozigi Haruna, announced that youth representatives had resolved to partner with Ombugadu following a national representative meeting attended by members from within and outside the country.

Haruna said the ECDA President, Mandy David Abuliya, was also present to ensure that the youth decision aligned with the broader structure of the Eggon socio-cultural organisation.

He disclosed that the youths would intensify engagements to persuade other members of the Eggon nation to support the arrangement, expressing confidence that more people would join the political movement.

On preparations for the 2027 election, Haruna said the youths were determined to protect their votes and resist any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

“This is going to be a different ball game compared to the past election. We are here to tell the riggers, enough is enough. We understand the game, and our boys are on the ground,” he said.

On his part, the National President of ECDA, Mandy David Abuluya, clarified that the association had not formally endorsed any governorship candidate, explaining that its position was to establish a partnership with Ombugadu.

Abuluya disclosed that ECDA had been engaging different Eggon governorship aspirants and the paramount ruler of the Eggon nation to resolve the challenge of having multiple candidates from the ethnic group seeking the governorship position.

According to him, Ombugadu approached the association for an emergency meeting, which was held on October 31, where a decision was reached to partner with him.

“A meeting with the youths was another stage of the consultation process. The women’s wing is also expected to meet and make its position known,” Abuluya stated.

He maintained that the final decision on a consensus candidate remained subject to further consultations with the paramount ruler and the Eggon Council of Elders, chaired by retired Colonel Emmanuel Kibu.

Addressing the meeting, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Emmanuel David Ombugadu, described the development as a significant political milestone, saying the partnership went beyond a mere endorsement as it involved the willingness of the groups to actively participate in his quest to become governor.

Rt. Hon. Ombugadu, who disclosed that he had presented a comprehensive manifesto to the association, which he claimed was accepted by the representatives at the meeting, added that it was the first time the Eggon youth wing, parent body and women’s wing were coming together to speak with one voice on a political partnership.

The PDP candidate expressed confidence that the arrangement would strengthen his political structure and attract other governorship aspirants.

He also highlighted his eight-year representation in the House of Representatives, claiming that he facilitated the establishment of 18 primary healthcare centres, enrolled 20,000 people in free National Health Insurance Scheme coverage and provided 1,500 boreholes, alongside youth and women empowerment initiatives.

He described the support he had received during his tour of the state as overwhelming, saying it reflected the desire of Nasarawa residents to embrace leadership that would translate the state’s resources into tangible benefits.

He expressed appreciation to the Eggon nation and other ethnic groups in Nasarawa State, assuring them of his commitment to the 2027 governorship contest.