LAFIA — Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, David Umbugadu, has met with members of a socio-political group, Coalition for Justice, following his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The meeting in Lafia came amid criticisms from some residents who alleged that the group, which staged months of protests in support of Umbugadu after the 2023 governorship election, had been abandoned following his move to the ruling party.
Addressing members of the group, Umbugadu said he was deeply moved by their sacrifices and loyalty, describing their support as the foundation of his political structure ahead of future elections.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was strategic and aimed at aligning politically to advance the interests of Nasarawa State.
“My movement to the APC is strategic. It is focused on alignment that will help deliver Nasarawa State. We are giving our votes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, and we believe it will help us achieve our objective of reaching Shendam Road (Government House),” he said.
Members of the group, who have become known for wearing black attire to symbolise mourning over Umbugadu’s defeat in the 2023 election, were assured that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The former governorship candidate reiterated that his ambition to govern Nasarawa State remains intact ahead of the 2027 elections.
“For the first time in the history of our state, I will set aside N50 million to support your uniforms going forward. We will call it counterpart support because you have been funding these uniforms yourselves,” Umbugadu said.
He described the gathering as a meeting of leaders of a wider political structure spread across the state, noting that their support reflected genuine commitment to the development of Nasarawa.
Umbugadu also highlighted some of his previous achievements while serving in the House of Representatives, including the sinking of over 1,500 boreholes, construction of 18 primary healthcare centres, payment of health insurance premiums for about 20,000 people and the provision of scholarships.
Earlier, the coordinator of the Coalition for Justice, James Alu, said members of the group remained steadfast in their support for Umbugadu regardless of the political platform he chooses.
“There was never any formal agreement between us and you. What you are seeing here is organic love and commitment. Whether in rain or sunshine, we remain committed to the cause,” he said.
Alu added that many women in the group had resolved to continue supporting Umbugadu’s political aspirations.
The coordinator also observed a minute’s silence in honour of some members of the group who reportedly lost their lives during protests following the 2023 election.
Vehicles and other items were later donated to the group to support their activities.
