Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election, firmly dismissing speculations that he may settle for the position of deputy governor.

Ombugadu, who flew the PDP flag in the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections, made his position known in a statement titled “Official Declaration of Resolve: Clarification of Gubernatorial Ambition and Strategic Direction”, sent to journalists on Friday.

According to him, persistent narratives surrounding his political future had made it necessary to state his position “clearly and finally,” stressing that his ambition remains solely focused on becoming the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.

“My focus is singular and my resolve is absolute: I am running for the Office of the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State,” Ombugadu said. “I wish to state for the record that I have not, at any point, consented to serve as a Deputy Governor to any individual.”

He described his governorship aspiration as a mission driven by the need to liberate the people of Nasarawa State and reposition the state for sustainable development, rather than a pursuit of political convenience.

“This mission is about the fundamental liberation of our people and the realization of a greater Nasarawa,” he stated. “It is not a quest for a ‘spare tire’ role or a position of convenience, but a deliberate and well-thought-out strategy.”

Ombugadu further declared his readiness to deploy all legitimate political tools and strategies required to achieve victory in 2027, noting that his political structure is being built on intellectual depth and strategic strength.

“For victory, I am prepared to deploy every necessary resource, engage every necessary contact, and implement every morally driven strategy required to secure this mandate,” he said. “We are building a structure that is both intellectually grounded and politically formidable.”

Reflecting on past electoral outings, the former governorship candidate expressed confidence in his political base, insisting that his camp is no stranger to electoral success.

“We have a proven track record of victory. We won in 2019, we won in 2023, and by the grace of God and the unwavering support of the people, we will win again,” Ombugadu said.

However, he noted that lessons from previous elections had informed a new approach ahead of 2027, particularly in the area of vote protection.

“This time, the process will be different,” he warned. “We are putting every mechanism in place to ensure that our votes not only count but are fiercely protected. The sanctity of the ballot box will be guaranteed from the polling units to the final collation centres.”

Ombugadu called on his supporters to remain focused and resist distractions, describing Nasarawa State as deserving of leadership that truly reflects the collective will of its people.

“I am focused, resolute, and ready to lead,” he said. “Nasarawa deserves a leader who emerges from the collective will of the people, united by a shared vision for all. It is still possible to win together.”

Recall that Dr. Emmanuel Ombugadu was the PDP’s governorship candidate in the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nasarawa State and remains a prominent figure within the opposition party. (The Sun)