2027: 346 APC members dumps party, as 6 ethnic Communities rally behind Ombugadu

By David Odama

346 APC Members in in Awe local government of Nasarawa state have denounced their membership of the party and declared their support for the Governorshi candidate of the People’s Democratic party (PDP).

In the same vein, six Communities of Eggon, Tiv, Ngas, Siyawa, Jukun and Kwalla all in Nasarawa state have declared Support for the PDP governorship candidate in the state.

The declarations has not only ultered the political landscape in Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, but continue to attract support from communities and ethnic groups across the state.

According to those who dumped APC and the six Communities, their support for Ombugadu’s governorship ambition is born out of the inclusive leadership, unity, equity and the need for purposeful development across Nasarawa State.

The development which herald series of political activities and expressions of support that have continued to place Ombugadu at the centre of the state’s 2027 governorship conversation, followed the September 23 endorsement by the Eggon Political Forum, which was subsequently followed by expressions of support from other Eggon groups.

Others include the Eggon Community Development Association (ECDA) in Karu, as well as groups and communities in Karshi Development Area and Keffi Local Government Area.

Representatives of the various communities reportedly said their support for Ombugadu was based on their confidence in his leadership capacity, experience and ability to promote unity, while ensuring that different communities have a meaningful place in the affairs of the state.

The growing political activity was further highlighted in Awe Local Government Area, where a gathering organised by the Tiv community at Atsamber Village in Ribi Ward reportedly witnessed the defection of 346 members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP.

The defectors reportedly declared their support for Ombugadu and pledged to work for the success of the party ahead of the 2027 election.

“Our decision to dump APC is driven by our confidence in Ombugadu’s capacity to provide purposeful leadership and address some of the economic, security and developmental challenges confronting communities across the state.

“Ombugadu’s roadmap to Focus on Agriculture, Security and Economic Development in Nasarawa state is enough evidence to show that he meant well for we the common and forgotten communities if given the opportunity”, the defectors declared.

Speaking while receiving the decampees, Ombugadu, emphasised the enormous economic potential of Awe, particularly its mineral resources and agricultural opportunities that has been under harnessed over the years, stressing the need for the transformation of these resources into employment opportunities and improved livelihoods for the people.

He also identified insecurity as a major challenge affecting farmers and rural communities, noting that meaningful agricultural development cannot be achieved without creating a safe environment where farmers can freely access their farms and transport their produce to markets.

The PDP candidate further stressed the importance of equitable representation, inclusion and fairness in governance, assuring the Tiv community and other ethnic groups in Awe of the need for every community to feel a genuine sense of belonging in the political and developmental affairs of Nasarawa State.

He also highlighted the importance of rural infrastructure, including accessible roads, agricultural support, storage facilities and improved market access, to enable farmers to increase productivity and contribute more significantly to the state’s economy.

Ombugadu who further appreciated the various communities for the confidence and support, called for continued unity and cooperation in the collective pursuit of a better Nasarawa State, expressing optimism that the emerging coalition of communities and stakeholders would contribute to building a more united, peaceful and economically prosperous Nasarawa.

Also speaking on the political development ahead of 2027, Ombugadu’s supporters described the developments as evidence of growing acceptance across ethnic, religious and geographical lines.

As political activities continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Ombugadu’s name remains firmly within the centre of Nasarawa’s political conversation, with supporters positioning his campaign around unity, inclusion, security, agriculture, economic opportunity and people-oriented governance.

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