A former governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Dr. David Umbugadu, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) barely three weeks after joining the ruling party, in a development that has stirred fresh political conversations in the state.
Umbugadu confirmed his exit in a resignation letter dated March 24, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Ika/Wangibi Ward in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. In the letter, he cited internal party dynamics and emerging political developments as reasons for his decision to quit the party.
The former governorship candidate pointed to what he described as “political manoeuvres” within the APC, which he said could negatively impact his prospects in the next governorship race. He expressed concern over the unfolding situation, noting that he was not comfortable with the direction the party was taking.
According to him, the internal arrangements and alignments within the APC raised doubts about his political future in the party, prompting him to reconsider his position.
Although he did not go into extensive details about the alleged manoeuvres, political observers believe the statement reflects underlying tensions and competition among key stakeholders ahead of future elections in Nasarawa State.
Umbugadu’s departure comes as a surprise to many, given the high-profile nature of his recent defection to the APC. He had formally joined the party on March 2, 2026, in a well-attended event held at the Government House in Lafia.
The ceremony attracted several prominent figures in the state’s political landscape, including Governor Abdullahi Sule, former governors Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, as well as other senior leaders of the APC. At the time, his defection was widely seen as a significant political gain for the ruling party and a potential boost to its strength ahead of future contests.
The warm reception given to Umbugadu had signalled what many interpreted as a major political realignment in the state. His entry into the APC was expected to reshape the balance of power, particularly considering his influence and support base.
However, the latest development has effectively reversed that move, with Umbugadu announcing his return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as his political home.
In his remarks, the former candidate reaffirmed his longstanding connection to the PDP, noting that the party remains the platform where he built his political career and established his support network.
Umbugadu has had a long history with the PDP, having joined the party in 2014 after leaving the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Over the years, he emerged as a key figure within the party in Nasarawa State.
He contested the governorship election under the PDP platform in both 2019 and 2023, maintaining a strong presence in the state’s political scene. His return to the party is expected to rekindle alliances and possibly reposition him for future political engagements.
Political analysts say the swift reversal of his defection underscores the fluid nature of party politics in Nigeria, where alignments can change rapidly in response to internal dynamics and strategic considerations.
They note that such movements are often driven by calculations related to electoral viability, access to party structures, and perceived fairness in the distribution of opportunities within political parties.
Umbugadu’s brief stay in the APC also raises questions about internal cohesion within the party in Nasarawa State, particularly as stakeholders begin to position themselves ahead of the next governorship election cycle.
While the APC has yet to issue an official response to his resignation, observers believe the development could have implications for the party’s internal balance and its preparations for future elections.
On the other hand, the PDP may view Umbugadu’s return as a boost to its ranks, especially given his experience and previous role as the party’s governorship flag bearer. His re-entry could strengthen the party’s structure and influence in the state as it seeks to consolidate its position.
As political activities gradually intensify across the country ahead of the next electoral cycle, developments such as this highlight the ongoing realignments shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
For now, Umbugadu’s decision marks a significant shift in Nasarawa State politics, with both the APC and PDP expected to recalibrate their strategies in response to the changing dynamics.
