The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has formally selected Honourable Emmanuel Ombugadu as the running mate to its 2027 governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Wadada.
The decision was reached on Monday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. Governor Abdullahi Sule announced Ombugadu’s emergence as the party’s deputy governorship candidate after consultations with other aspirants who had shown interest in the position.
Governor Sule explained that the aspirants, described as “eminently qualified,” agreed to support whoever the party eventually chose — mirroring the consensus approach used when the governorship candidate was selected.
“We had a couple of people eminently qualified, and every one of them made a decision similar to what we did with the gubernatorial election, that whoever is selected among them, they would all rally and support that person. So at the end of the decision, it was agreed that Honourable Emmanuel Ombugadu will be our deputy gubernatorial candidate of the party,” the governor said.
He thanked stakeholders for attending the meeting at short notice and noted that the venue was shifted to Abuja due to his official engagements. These included hosting the North Central Development Commission summit and preparing for the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Sule urged party members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We cannot go into these elections divided. That is the reason we invited this meeting, so that we can keep together, make a decision together, and go together,” he stated.
Senator Ahmed Wadada welcomed the choice, saying it reflected the party leadership’s decision and zoning considerations. “I feel happy, I feel committed, and of course fulfilled to have him as my deputy gubernatorial candidate, because it is the decision of the party and the leadership,” he said.
Wadada specifically appealed to other aspirants, including Dr Kigbu, who was widely seen as a strong contender, to accept the outcome. “I call on all others too, particularly my brother Dr Kigbu, who everybody thought would get it, to accept this as the will of God. Together we shall weather the storm,” he added.
Ombugadu expressed gratitude to Governor Sule and party stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him. He described the decision as difficult yet necessary for party unity. “I feel highly elated, and I take it as the will of God for me to be in this capacity. I thank the Governor and all the stakeholders of the state for this very critical decision,” he said.
He also noted that other aspirants had pledged loyalty to the party and committed to working for its success in 2027.
The announcement signals the APC’s push for internal cohesion as the party prepares for the next general elections in Nasarawa State.