Former Nasarawa PDP Flagbearer David Umbugadu Defects to APC; Pledges 300,000 New Members for Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign

Dr. David Umbugadu defects from PDP to APC in Nasarawa. See how he plans to mobilize 300,000 members for President Tinubu’s 2027 Renewed Hope agenda.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 4:22 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

A Strategic Shift to the Ruling Party

The political landscape of Nasarawa State has undergone a significant transformation following the defection of Dr. David Emmanuel Umbugadu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Umbugadu, who was the primary challenger in the 2023 governorship race, announced his transition during a massive rally of the "Advocates for Justice" women's group. He described the move as a strategic necessity aimed at opening a "new chapter" in his career and aligning the interests of his supporters with the federal government's developmental goals.

Mobilizing for Tinubu’s 2027 "Renewed Hope" Agenda

Central to Umbugadu’s defection is his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign. Addressing thousands of women from across the state's 13 local government areas, the former opposition leader praised the President's performance and urged his followers to consolidate support for the APC. He revealed an ambitious target of mobilizing over 300,000 new members into the ruling party as soon as the registration portals open, claiming that his political structure remains "organic" and driven by passion rather than financial inducement.

Commending Governor Abdullahi Sule’s Infrastructure Legacy

In a notable departure from his previous campaign rhetoric, Umbugadu offered high praise for his former rival, Governor Abdullahi Sule. He specifically highlighted the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure, pointing to the construction of new roads and flyovers across the state's three senatorial zones. Umbugadu noted that these projects have "exceeded expectations" and significantly enhanced Nasarawa’s developmental profile, prompting his decision to work alongside the current administration to ensure a unified front for the 2027 elections.