Following his switch to the APC, Umbugadu gathers with backers, Calls for Support of Tinubu's Bid

David Umbugadu, the former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa State, recently met with members of the Coalition for Justice, a socio-political group, in Lafia, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress.

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This meeting took place amidst criticism from some residents, who alleged that the group had been abandoned after Umbugadu's move to the ruling party, despite their months-long protests in his support after the 2023 governorship election.

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Umbugadu expressed his deep appreciation for the group's sacrifices and loyalty, describing their support as the foundation of his political structure ahead of future elections, and explained that his decision to join the APC was a strategic move to advance the interests of Nasarawa State.

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He stated that his move to the APC was focused on alignment that would help deliver Nasarawa State, and that he and his supporters would be giving their votes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, in the hopes of achieving their objective of reaching the Government House.

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Umbugadu assured the group members, known for wearing black attire to symbolize mourning over his defeat in the 2023 election, that their sacrifices would not be in vain, and reiterated that his ambition to govern Nasarawa State remains intact ahead of the 2027 elections.

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He announced that he would be setting aside N50 million to support the group's uniforms, which they had previously funded themselves, describing this as counterpart support, and noted that this gesture would be a first in the state's history.

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Umbugadu described the gathering as a meeting of leaders of a wider political structure spread across the state, and noted that the group's support reflected a genuine commitment to the development of Nasarawa.

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He highlighted some of his previous achievements while serving in the House of Representatives, including the sinking of over 1,500 boreholes, the construction of 18 primary healthcare centres, and the provision of scholarships and health insurance premiums for about 20,000 people.

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James Alu, the coordinator of the Coalition for Justice, stated that the group's support for Umbugadu was unwavering, regardless of the political platform he chose, and described their commitment as organic love and dedication.

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Alu noted that many women in the group had resolved to continue supporting Umbugadu's political aspirations, and observed a minute's silence in honour of some group members who had reportedly lost their lives during protests following the 2023 election.

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Vehicles and other items were later donated to the group to support their activities, in a show of appreciation for their continued support and dedication to Umbugadu's cause.