Why Ombugadu’s PDP Return Sparked Popularity Surge, Fresh Calls for Senatorial Bid

In the Nasarawa recent political stunts, few moves have generated as much excitement in recent years as the return of Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, popularly known as “Davematics,” to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Barely weeks after a brief sojourn in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the two-time gubernatorial candidate has come back home. The reaction among supporters has been electric: social media timelines flooded with celebratory posts, grassroots rallies where organized with renewed energy, and a growing chorus of voices urging him to contest the upcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial election.
When The Eyewitness asked his supporters what explains this dramatic surge in popularity? The answers received showed it lies in a potent mix of political symbolism, proven track record, grassroots loyalty, and strategic timing.
First, Ombugadu’s return is being framed as a triumphant homecoming rather than a mere party switch. By walking away and rejoining the PDP, the party that launched his rise and where his deepest roots remain, Ombugadu has reinforced his image as a man of principle who prioritises his base over fleeting opportunities. In Nigerian politics, where loyalty is currency, this move resonated deeply. It signalled that Davematics had not abandoned the PDP family during its leadership crisis but had tested the waters elsewhere and chosen to strengthen the opposition from within.
Second, Ombugadu brings undeniable star power and a proven record of service that the PDP desperately needs. His legislative tenure was marked by visible constituency projects, empowerment programmes, and a brand of politics that blended intellectual depth with street-level empathy.
His near-miss in the 2023 governorship race, where the Election Petition Tribunal initially declared him winner before higher courts intervened, still fuels the narrative of a “stolen mandate.” That resilience, combined with his open declaration to reclaim it in 2027, has kept him relevant. But his return to the PDP has now redirected that energy. Many stakeholders see the Senatorial seat as a logical and strategic next step—especially with the vacancy in Nasarawa North following the passing of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki. Having already signalled interest in the Senate during his brief APC period.