2027 Beyond endorsement : ECDA, EYA, YPP preach unity, Partner Ombugadu, Adopt Manifesto

By David Okpashi

Stakeholders, ECDA Nation, Youths Opinion Leaders in Eggon land have unanimously resolved to come together and work for the realization of their destiny and desire to control the affairs of the state in 2027.

This is even as they have agreed to set aside their political differences and forge ahead unity, oneness, togetherness, shun individualistic tendencies that has continued to deprived them of their legitimate right in Eggon land.

Speaking during a meeting with Eggon Cultural Development Association (ECDA), 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 a move to unite political forces for the 2027 governorship contest.

According to the YPP governorship candidate, the decision to work with Ombugadu was informed by the need to forged a common front in unity to avoid splitting votes among candidates seeking 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,” .

“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.

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

Also speaking, the President of Eggon Youth Worldwide, Comrade Friday Ozigi Haruna announced that the youth representatives have resolved to partner 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 was taken in line with the broader structure of the Eggon socio-cultural organisation.

He said 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, made it Clare however that the association had not formally endorsed any governorship candidate, saying 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 in order to resolve the challenge of having multiple candidates from the ethnic group seeking the governorship.

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

“A meeting with the youths was another stage of the consultation process, women’s wing is also expected to meet and make its position known”, Abduluya 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 because it involved the willingness of the groups to participate actively 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.

Who described the support he had received during his tour of the state as overwhelming, as a reflection of the desire of the Nasarawa residents to embrace the 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.