Nasarawa PDP Chapter Declares Support for Wike's Rainbow Coalition Ahead of 2027

The Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally aligned itself with the Rainbow Coalition, a political movement spearheaded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This declaration was made by Dr. David Ombugadu, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state, on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital.

Dr. Ombugadu's pronouncement came during his official campaign flag-off, an event held at the PDP's premises in Lafia, which saw a significant turnout of party stakeholders and loyalists from all 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. He unequivocally stated that the state's PDP members have embraced the Rainbow Coalition and are prepared to cast their votes according to the directives issued by Minister Wike.

"We want to affirm today that the entire Nasarawa State stands for the Rainbow Coalition," Ombugadu declared. "We are all united in support of our national leader, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. We are waiting for our national leader to give us direction. Wherever he goes, we will go."

The governorship hopeful urged party figures visiting from Abuja to convey the warm regards of the Nasarawa populace to Wike, whom he lauded as a "capacity national leader." Ombugadu further expressed, “Please take our warm regards to him. The people of Nasarawa State are eagerly waiting for him to pay a visit to Nasarawa State. We love him, we believe in his vision, we believe in his charisma, we believe in his capacity.”

Outlining his vision for the state, Ombugadu pledged that if elected, his administration would prioritize enhancing security, fostering innovation, and operating an inclusive government. He highlighted Nasarawa State's rich endowment of solid minerals, including gold, lithium, and wolframite, lamenting that these vast resources have yet to benefit the local population.

"We have gold in the ground. No one should tell us poverty is affecting us. Our gold was only given to a few people. But through my leadership, we will make sure that your children will not go to the hospital and suffer," he asserted. His promises also extended to improving healthcare services for pregnant women, ensuring the safety of farmers, and establishing a government truly representative of the people. "We will sit down; what we will do is what you want. Not what a single person wants. We will all sit down and look at what you need in your locality. What are your needs? What is your contribution?" he added, emphasizing a participatory approach to governance.

Ombugadu concluded by thanking the state's residents for their unwavering commitment and implored them to safeguard their votes to ensure the emergence of a government that genuinely serves its people.

Adding his voice to the campaign, Yusuf Agirikwe, the National Deputy Chairman of the PDP, affirmed the party's popular mandate to govern Nasarawa State in 2027. "We have been hearing from afar that Nasarawa State is PDP. I have come to establish it myself today that PDP has the mandate of the people to rule them in this state," Agirikwe stated. He stressed that victory could only be achieved through active participation in voting and diligent protection of ballots, urging supporters to mobilize extensively for the party. "From today, go and tell your friends that PDP is the winning party. Go out and bring your votes," he charged.

Separately, fresh legal challenges are reportedly emerging concerning party primaries. Meanwhile, Reuben, a former zonal chairman of the Labour Party in Rivers, clarified that the Rivers Labour Party is not affiliated with the Rainbow Coalition. Additionally, the PDP has scheduled September 29 for a new governorship primary election in Gombe.