Former Nasarawa State governorship candidate Dr. Emmanuel David Ombugadu has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing unresolved internal disputes and a persistent leadership crisis within the state chapter. Ombugadu, widely known by his nickname “Davematics,” submitted a resignation letter dated February 28, 2026, to the party chairman in his local ward, marking the end of a political association that spanned over a decade.
In his letter, Ombugadu, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, expressed gratitude to the PDP for the platform it provided during his political career. He acknowledged the opportunities and support he received while serving the party, the state, and the nation. However, he emphasized that his decision was driven by the party’s ongoing internal conflicts and a lack of resolution to its leadership challenges, issues that he indicated had hindered effective opposition and governance.
Ombugadu’s political trajectory began under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the predecessor to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was first elected in 2011 to represent the Akwanga/Nassarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Following the merger that formed the APC, he later defected to the PDP, where he successfully secured a second term in the House in 2015. His profile within the party rose significantly, leading to his selection as the PDP’s governorship candidate for Nasarawa State in the 2023 election cycle, though he was unsuccessful in his bid for the state’s top office.
His resignation comes amid heightened speculation about his political future and underscores the deepening factionalism within the PDP’s Nasarawa State structure. The party has faced repeated leadership tussles and internal wrangling, which analysts suggest have weakened its cohesion and electoral effectiveness in the state. Ombugadu’s departure removes a prominent figure with a established constituency base and legislative experience from the party’s ranks.
The move may signal a potential realignment in Nasarawa’s political landscape as the 2027 election cycle approaches. While Ombugadu did not indicate his next political move, his exit highlights the volatile nature of state-level party politics in Nigeria, where unresolved internal disputes frequently prompt high-profile defections. The PDP now faces the task of stabilizing its Nasarawa chapter and re-engaging disillusioned members ahead of future contests. Ombugadu’s decision serves as a notable indicator of the challenges confronting opposition parties in maintaining unity and credible leadership at the subnational level.
