Ombugadu’s Return to PDP: A Masterstroke To Secure Nasarawa for Tinubu

In a dramatic political twist that has sent ripples across Nasarawa’s political landscape, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and two-time House of Representatives member, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has defected back to the PDP after a brief sojourn in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While his short-lived move to the ruling party earlier this year was widely seen as an attempt to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his swift return to his political base is now being interpreted by analysts as a calculated masterstroke. The move positions Ombugadu to leverage his massive grassroots popularity to deliver Nasarawa State for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, potentially flipping the state that slipped from the APC’s grasp in 2023.
Recall that in the 2023 presidential election, the Labour Party’s Peter Obi defeated President Tinubu in Nasarawa, securing 191,361 votes against Tinubu’s 172,922. It was an unexpected setback for the APC in the North-Central, highlighting the power of opposition momentum and the need for a strong, trusted local mobiliser.
Ombugadu’s widespread and enduring popularity remains undisputed. His supporters have repeatedly demonstrated that their loyalty is to the man, not the platform. Political observers note that the presidency and APC leadership are well aware of this “Ombugadu factor.” Even after his return to the PDP, sources indicate that strategic back-channel understanding could see his influence harnessed to mobilise votes for Tinubu without rigid adherence to party lines in the presidential contest.
“Ombugadu’s brand transcends party loyalty,” a senior political strategist familiar with Nasarawa politics remarked. “His people follow him. Whether he is formally in the PDP or maintaining influence elsewhere, the presidency recognises that his endorsement and mobilisation machinery could be the game-changer needed to reclaim Nasarawa in 2027.”
In statements following his return, Ombugadu has emphasised that his ultimate allegiance is to the people of Nasarawa. He described the PDP as his political home and expressed readiness to rebuild and strengthen the opposition while keeping options open for broader national alignments. Supporters argue that his brief APC stint allowed him to assess the terrain closely, only to return better positioned to negotiate and influence outcomes from a position of strength within the PDP.
Analysts believe this return could energise the PDP base while simultaneously creating a unique bridge. With Ombugadu’s proven ability to pull crowds and command loyalty across religious, ethnic and youth demographics, his strategic positioning will allow him to rally support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in 2027.  “In 2023, Nasarawa was Obi’s surprise. In 2027, Ombugadu’s calculated moves could hand it back to Tinubu through sheer force of personal popularity,” one observer noted.
As political realignments continue ahead of 2027, Ombugadu’s latest defection is viewed not as inconsistency but as savvy navigation of Nigeria’s fluid political environment. His supporters, already mobilising under various platforms, appear undeterred by party banners. The presidency, keenly aware of his influence, is expected to engage pragmatically.
Whether through direct endorsement or subtle grassroots coordination, Ombugadu’s political calculus suggests one clear trajectory: a determined push to deliver victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nasarawa State. For now, the man many still call “Davematics” has returned home to the PDP, but his eyes—and those of political watchers—remain firmly fixed on 2027.