Fresh indications have emerged that David Emmanuel Ombugadu may be on his way out of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a few weeks after joining the ruling party, amid deepening concerns over alleged exclusion of his supporters from the ongoing membership e-registration exercise.

This is even as stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified pressure on the former governorship candidate to return to the party, citing what they described as “clear signs of political suppression” within the APC.

Findings revealed that a crucial meeting involving PDP stakeholders was held at Ombugadu’s residence in Akwanga on Tuesday, where party leaders reportedly urged him to reconsider his position and return to his political base ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Sources close to the meeting disclosed that the appeal was premised on growing fears that certain interests within the APC were uncomfortable with his rising political influence and grassroots appeal across the state.

According to a source within Ombugadu’s camp, part of the agreement that facilitated his defection to the APC included assurances that the party would provide access for the registration of over 3000,000 of his supporters across the three senatorial zones. The source, however, alleged that despite claims that registration materials had been printed and arrangements concluded, the expected access to the e-registration portal was never granted, effectively shutting out his loyal base from the party’s formal structure.

“This is not what was agreed. Forms were reportedly printed and structures put in place, but in reality, our supporters could not register. It is clear that some persons are uncomfortable with his entry into the party and are deliberately trying to undermine his chances,” the source said.

Confirming the development, a party elder, Mathew Akwe, said in an interview that the meeting, indeed, was held and that party stakeholders had collectively agreed to persuade Ombugadu to return to h“Yes, the meeting was held and members of the PDP have agreed to persuade him to come back to the roots. I will provide further details in the coming days,” he stated.

The development has fuelled speculations that Ombugadu’s continued stay in the APC may no longer be tenable, especially as his supporters remain largely excluded from the party’s official framework.

Observers noted that the unfolding situation might not only affect his immediate political calculations but could also reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State.

Political analysts say a potential return to the PDP could significantly boost the party’s prospects, particularly in light of Ombugadu’s performance in the 2023 elections and his sustained grassroots connection.

Meanwhile, there are growing indications that the internal handling of the situation may be impacting the APC’s cohesion in the state, with some observers noting that the party’s influence appears to be gradually waning amid the controversy.

As consultations continue behind the scenes, the political atmosphere remains tense, with residents and stakeholders closely watching the next move of Ombugadu, whose decision is widely seen as capable of altering the balance of power in the state. (The Sun)