By Achile Danjuma
In a significant realignment of political forces in Nasarawa State, two-time governorship candidate Dr. David Ombugadu has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection marks a dramatic return to his political roots and a major gain for the governing party.
Ombugadu, who previously represented the people at the federal level, officially registered as a member of the APC on Monday. This move brings him back to the fold of the party he originally joined in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) before his departure to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014.
The decision to switch allegiances follows his recent resignation from the PDP. In his resignation letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of Ika Wangibi Ward in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Ombugadu cited deep-seated internal conflicts and a lingering leadership crisis as the primary reasons for his departure.
While his resignation letter was notably silent on his next political destination, the suspense was short-lived. Images of the former opposition leader proudly holding his new APC membership card spread rapidly across social media platforms on Monday night, confirming the political shift.
The Nasarawa State Chairman of the APC, Aliyu Bello, officially welcomed Ombugadu to the party, describing the development as a monumental addition.
“I can confirm to you that he is now part of the APC big family,” Bello stated. He emphasized that Ombugadu had not only joined but had also actively participated in the party’s registration exercise. Bello further hailed the former lawmaker as a significant asset, citing his “widespread influence across the state.”
Ombugadu’s entry into the APC adds a seasoned political heavyweight to its ranks. He first vied for the governorship in 2019, losing in his initial attempt. However, his second outing in 2023 proved to be a seismic event.
He staged a major upset that triggered a protracted legal battle, taking the contest all the way to the Supreme Court, which ultimately affirmed the victory of the incumbent, Governor Abdullahi Sule.