Ombugadu Declares 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Ambition Under APC

David Ombugadu addressing Eggon stakeholders during a town hall meeting in Akwanga where he declared his intention to contest the 2027 Nasarawa governorship under APC.

A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Mr. David Ombugadu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ombugadu, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC, made the declaration during a town hall meeting with Eggon people of the Nasarawa North Senatorial District held in Akwanga on Friday. The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Akwanga/Nasarawa-Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, explained that his decision to join the APC was driven by his desire to contribute to the developmental efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule. He also dismissed speculations that his defection to the ruling party was aimed at securing the deputy governorship position in the 2027 election. “I want to use this opportunity to tell you that I will contest the Nasarawa North senatorial by-election to replace our late Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki at the National Assembly,” Ombugadu said. “By God’s grace, I will go to the Senate and subsequently contest for the governorship of the state in 2027. “Anyone saying that I joined the APC to pursue the deputy governorship slot is not correct.” The former lawmaker added that if elected as senator during the forthcoming by-election, he would facilitate development-oriented projects for the Nasarawa North zone. According to him, such projects would include the provision of potable water, scholarship opportunities for students, agricultural empowerment programmes and improved electricity supply. Ombugadu also pledged to work closely with Governor Abdullahi Sule and other APC stakeholders to ensure the party’s victory in future elections, including the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. “For the progress and development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large, let us give our maximum support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule for APC’s victory beyond 2027,” he said. He commended Governor Sule for ongoing infrastructural development across the state, particularly the construction of flyovers and underpasses in Lafia, Akwanga and Keffi. Ombugadu further urged eligible citizens who had not yet obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so in order to participate in upcoming elections. In their separate remarks, several political stakeholders expressed support for Ombugadu’s ambition. Among them were Mr. Jacob Ali, former PDP Nasarawa North Zonal Chairman; Mr. Istifanus Abaku, former Administrator of Akun Development Area; and Mrs. Lami Bako, former Speaker of the Akun Legislative Council. Leaders of the Eggon Political Forum and other community stakeholders also pledged their support and prayers for the former lawmaker, stating that Ombugadu enjoys strong grassroots backing. They expressed confidence that he would attract significant development to the Nasarawa North zone if elected as senator in the forthcoming by-election.

Wike Promises C of O for Indigenous Communities in Abuja

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike speaking to residents and traditional leaders during a thank-you visit to Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to indigenous people of the FCT who are living on their ancestral lands. Wike made the promise on Wednesday during a thank-you visit to residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where he emphasised the importance of giving indigenous communities a sense of belonging in the nation’s capital. According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about land rights among the original inhabitants of Abuja. He acknowledged the emotional and cultural significance of ancestral land to the people and assured them that his administration would work towards making the issuance of the C of O a reality. “We must change the pattern of politics in Abuja; we must recognise that anywhere you go to, there are people there, and we must recognise them,” Wike said. The minister said he understood the pain of being displaced from ancestral land and stressed that protecting indigenous settlements was a priority for his administration. Wike explained that his visit to AMAC was also to express appreciation to the people for supporting candidates aligned with President Bola Tinubu during the Feb. 21 FCT area council elections. “I am here to thank you for the support you gave to all the candidates in the area council elections. They are all supporters of Tinubu,” he stated. He emphasised that political relationships should be mutually beneficial, describing them as symbiotic engagements between leaders and citizens. “Meaning you do for me, I do for you; you fall for me, I fall for you; you push me, I push you; you love me, I love you,” the minister said. Wike further promised to maintain close engagement with communities in the FCT, noting that President Tinubu had directed FCT ministers to regularly visit communities to better understand their needs. He also urged residents to support leaders who genuinely understand their concerns rather than politicians who only appear during election periods. Addressing the re-elected chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, Wike called on him to prioritise the welfare of the people and ensure that their trust was not taken for granted. “Anything your people want, our doors are open for you. Come to us,” he said. “Please do not take their support for granted. Make sure we don’t disappoint our people and make sure all their efforts do not go in vain.” Earlier, traditional rulers in AMAC led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, commended the minister for ongoing development projects in the FCT and appealed for further action on land allocations and protection of indigenous communities. In his remarks, Maikalangu thanked Wike for supporting his re-election bid and expressed appreciation to residents of AMAC for renewing his mandate. He assured them that his administration would work diligently to meet their expectations and deliver on campaign promises.

FCT Council Polls: Between Political Triumph and Democratic Questions

Nyesom Wike speaking during a broadcast on the outcome of the FCT area council elections in Abuja

The APC’s sweeping victory in the FCT area council elections has been hailed by Minister Nyesom Wike as proof of democratic renewal under President Bola Tinubu. However, critics argue the results raise deeper questions about political dominance, opposition strength, and the true state of democracy in Nigeria’s capital.

Amachree Petitions Tinubu, Warns of Rivers Instability

President Bola Tinubu faces mounting pressure after a petition accuses the Federal Government of destabilising Rivers State and calls for action against Minister Nyesom Wike.

A petition accusing the Federal Government of destabilising Rivers State and shielding powerful officials has placed President Bola Tinubu under growing pressure, with analysts warning that silence could carry serious consequences for oil stability, regional peace, and Nigeria’s global standing.

Ugly optics from Turkiye and return of our visiting president

Portrait of Ugo Onuoha, Nigerian writer and public affairs commentator.

Nigeria’s president has spent an extraordinary amount of time abroad since assuming office. The optics from his recent Türkiye visit have reignited concerns about leadership capacity, governance priorities, and the image of Nigeria on the global stage.