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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Emir of Lafia His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage retired has described former Nasarawa State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, as a “proud son of the soil,” while expressing confidence that he would perform well if elected governor of the state in 2027.
The monarch made the remarks on Monday when Ombugadu, accompanied by a delegation of PDP leaders and supporters, paid a condolence visit to the palace over the death of his younger brother.
The Emir, who recalled his long-standing relationship with Ombugadu, said they had known each other from the period he served as Chancellor of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, when Ombugadu was a PhD student at the institution.
He described the former governorship candidate as a proud son of Nasarawa State and expressed confidence in his capacity to contribute positively to the development of the state.
The monarch, however, stressed that political power ultimately comes from God, praying that God would grant Ombugadu his aspiration at the appropriate time.
The Emir expressed appreciation to Ombugadu and members of his entourage for identifying with the palace at a moment of grief.
The condolence delegation was led by Ombugadu, while Elder Statesman, Elder Mark Ogbole, spoke on behalf of the entourage.
Ogbole urged the Emir to take solace in God over the loss, describing the death not only as a loss to the royal family but also to the entire state. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for the royal family to bear the loss.
In a separate remark, former chairman of the PDP Hon. Francis Orogu used the occasion to speak about the PDP’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
Orogu said the party was determined to pursue its political ambition through peaceful and lawful means, stressing that the party would focus on issues capable of addressing the challenges confronting the people of Nasarawa State.
He appealed for the royal blessings of the Emir, saying Ombugadu had plans to work with the already established traditional stool of the state and do not intend to change rather to improve on it. which, according to him, would bring significant development to the state if given the opportunity to govern.
“We are ready for 2027, but our politics will be peaceful and issue-based,” Orogu said. He condemned politics of violence, insults and name-calling, urging political actors to concentrate on programmes, policies and the development of the state.
Orogu further assured the monarch that the PDP and its supporters would conduct their political activities within the provisions of the law.
The event ended with special prayers for the repose of the deceased and prayers for Ombugadu’s aspiration ahead of the 2027 election, followed by the presentation of royal gifts.
The visit consequently combined grief and politics, with Ombugadu the delegation used the opportunity to visit some wards in Obi, Lafia local government areas to condole with some PDP members and strengthened alliances ahead of his 2027 bid.
