David Ombugadu emerges as preferred choice for PDP chairmanship

In the build-up to the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for April 18, representatives from Nasarawa State have insisted that the party selects its National Chairman from their region.

The PDP Frontliners, a faction within the Nasarawa chapter of the party, in particular, has advocated for David Ombugadu, the party’s gubernatorial nominee in 2023, to assume the National Chairman role of the PDP.

Presently, the PDP is led by an interim National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and there are agitations for him to leave to pave the way for the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Those involved advocated for the next Chairman to originate from North Central, the same region as the suspended National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

A press release obtained by Pulse on Wednesday, April 10, from the group, headed by Hussein Mohammed, emphasised the PDP's dedication to its core principles and the necessity of revitalising the party, suggesting that David Ombugadu is the ideal candidate for this task.

Mohammed said Ombugadu's effective mobilisation efforts in Nasarawa state have invigorated the PDP, resulting in significant representation, including nine seats in the state House of Assembly.

The group emphasised that for the PDP to progress, it's crucial to look beyond internal power struggles and unite efforts toward strategic restructuring aimed at securing victory for the party in the 2027 elections.

“Certainly, David Ombugadu is the best option for the PDP’s vibrant repositioning and restoration of values and our initial contacts within various contending camps already indicate that we are on the way towards achieving effective consensus,” they added.

Who are the other aspirants?

Meanwhile, there are speculations that former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan, who is also from the North Central region, has indicated interest in becoming the next PDP national chairman.

From the southwest region, Segun Sowunmi, a former PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Ogun State, has also declared his interest in the top seat.

In a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria, he explained how he intends to reform the party and bring it back to the limelight in the Nigerian political scene.