The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. David Ombugadu, the party’s candidate for the 2023 Nasarawa State governorship election, has said he cannot do so at this time, espite pressure from his admirers and supporters
The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meets next week to decide on the party’s top post expected to be zoned to the north-central, which Ombugadu comes from.
Various interest groups have recently started campaigning for his candidacy, trying to sell his qualities to party elders.
But in a statement he issued on Saturday, the former gubernatorial hopeful said he was humbled by the call but would like to stick to the party’s decision.
The statement, titled “I feel duty-bound to abide by Party decision,” reads: “Lately, various groups of well-meaning members of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have intensified a clarion call for me to be given a responsibility by the party at the national level.
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“I feel humbled that many of these calls emphasize our antecedents, especially with keen references to our creativity, stamina, innovation, the populist enthusiasm that was aroused, as well as the dividends of democracy that our mandate yielded all over Nasarawa state; worthy attestations from the good people of Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/ Wamba Federal Constituency whom I represented between 2011-2019 and the very positive impacts of our keen pursuit of the gubernatorial ticket of Nasarawa state in 2019 and 2023 remain very relevant.
“All of us, and even our political foes, know that the PDP is an organic, organized, and structured political party that believes in the principle of federal character, justice, equity, and fairness in Nigeria. These calls are in line with the people-focused constitution of our great party, and I believe strongly that it is borne out of patriotism and love for democracy.
“In view of the fact that I have a lot to offer and have always responded to clarion calls by our people to serve in different capacities, I’d like to inform the general public that though my hat is not in the ring, I have heard your voices loud and clear but have not succumbed yet to the calls to run for the position of National Chairman of our party.
“Please do not feel disappointed, but let me restate that when duty calls for me to undertake any other assignment for our party, I will not hesitate to serve; suffice it to say that I remain loyal to our party and its leadership at all levels.
“As things stand, I want to thank our leaders and party loyalists who endorsed the various calls and would urge them to keep hope alive because surely, a better future awaits our party despite current challenges. I am firmly convinced that with our unity of purpose, God Almighty will grant us good direction and eventual triumph.
“In conclusion, I want to once again salute the contributions of the BOT, NWC, NEC, state governors, and state chapters, LGA, and ward level members as well as all exco members of the PDP across the nation, especially the Nasarawa state PDP, for consistently standing with us with such remarkable focus towards achieving victory. I thank you all most profoundly.”
