I Didn’t Join APC For Dep. Governor Slot – Umbugadu

A former leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State and the party’s two-time governorship candidate, Mr. David  Umbugadu, has said he would not play the second fiddle by accepting the deputy governorship slot ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said there was no deal to that effect that warranted his return to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

The clarification came amid speculation that he struck an understanding with APC leaders in the state to serve as running mate to whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming primaries.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with Eggon people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Akwanga LGA yesterday, he dismissed the rumour as fictitious.

He said he would vie for the by-election for Nasarawa North senatorial seat left vacant by the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki to serve his term.

Umbugadu said rather than the deputy governorship slot, he would vie for the state’s top seat in 2027.

“I want to use this opportunity to tell you that I will contest the senatorial seat by-election of Nasarawa North to replace our late Distinguished Sen Godiya Akwashiki at the National Assembly.

“ I want to tell you today that anybody that says I have joined APC for deputy governor slot, it is a lie,” he stated.

He said he was moved by the developmental strides of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Abdullahi Sule in the state to rejoin the APC.

He promised to work with Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other APC stakeholders to deliver 100 per cent votes for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“For the sake of the progress and development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large, let’s give our maximum support to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Abdullahi Sule for APC victory beyond  2027.

“I have every reason to support  His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the platform of APC due to his developmental strides across the country,” he said.

He urged people who are yet to register and get their  PVCs to do so to enable them vote for the APC next year.