PDP Laments Ombugadu’s Exit, Says Party Remains Focused on 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is saddened by the resignation of Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, describing the move as a serious setback but insisting the party remains focused on rebuilding ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ombugadu, the party’s former governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, announced his exit in a letter dated 28 February 2026. The letter was addressed to the PDP chairman of Ikka Wangibi Ward in Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, with the resignation taking immediate effect.

Reacting to the development, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Hajiya Farida Umar said the party received the news with deep regret. She said Ombugadu’s departure was painful because members had worked closely with him through difficult political moments in the state.

Umar said the PDP sees itself as a political family that made major sacrifices during its campaigns and organisational efforts, and for that reason, his decision to leave has emotional and political weight.

"As a political family that worked tirelessly together through challenging moments, this decision is naturally painful," she said.

She also said many members stayed with the party during tense periods and that loyalty is often tested when internal disputes emerge. According to her, a party’s strength should not be measured by one individual, but by its ideology, structures and grassroots supporters.

Umar maintained that the PDP remains a major political force in Nasarawa State and said the party’s democratic base and local support network are still intact. She added that the organisation is already working to reorganise and strengthen its structures.

She said the PDP is preparing to present a credible and broadly accepted candidate for the 2027 polls, while urging members and supporters to remain calm and united.

Before joining the PDP in 2014, Ombugadu started his political career in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He was elected in 2011 to represent Akwanga/Nassarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and won re-election in 2015 under the PDP platform. Party officials said they would continue consultations across wards and local governments as preparations for the next election cycle gather pace in the state.