By AWAYI KUJE

Mr David Ombugadu, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, says he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the party’s inability to open its e-registration portal for his supporters.

Ombugadu, who contested the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections on the PDP platform, stated this on Thursday during a visit to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lafia.

He said that the closure of the registration portal made it difficult for his supporters and associates to formally join the APC, thereby hindering his political aspirations within the party.

“When I joined the APC, I did not demand to produce ward executives or seek any position at the party level.

“My request was for the party to open its e-registration portal to enable my supporters to register as members, but the portal remained closed,” he said.

Ombugadu explained that his decision to leave the APC after a brief stay was informed by the need to actualise his governorship ambition.

He announced his return to the PDP and declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state on the party’s platform.

“I am fully back to the PDP. We have the people and a workable blueprint to deliver development to the state,” he said.

He, however, declared his intention to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, giving the numerous projects and reforms embarked upon so far by the administration.

The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, said his visit to the NUJ chapel was to seek partnership and support.

He emphasised the role of the media in shaping public discourse and development.

“We are here to strengthen our relationship and seek your support in enriching our blueprint for the development of Nasarawa State, as journalists are the mirror of society,” he said.

Ombugadu also highlighted his past achievements in areas such as water supply, employment, empowerment and healthcare, pledging to build on them if elected governor in 2027.

He further disclosed his intention to contest the forthcoming by-election for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District seat.

“I will contest the Nasarawa North senatorial by-election to fill the vacant seat and subsequently pursue my governorship ambition in 2027,” he said.

According to him, if elected senator, he will facilitate projects and programmes that will improve the welfare of the people of the district.

Also speaking, Mr Francis Orogu, PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), urged the people of the state to support the party.

He said the PDP had credible plans and programmes capable of improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Orogu also expressed confidence in Ombugadu’s candidacy and called on party supporters to rally behind him. (NAN)

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