“I Didn’t Receive ₦3 Billion To Join APC; That Was Never Our Agreement”-Ombugadu Reveals
Rabiu Omaku
Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has dismissed allegations that he received ₦3 billion to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his actions were guided by principle rather than personal gain.
Speaking on the circumstances surrounding his brief association with the APC, Ombugadu said he deliberately remained silent to avoid creating unnecessary tension among the people but decided to speak out to defend his integrity.
“My silence should never be mistaken for cowardice. I chose to remain quiet because I did not want to create unnecessary crisis among our people, but I have a responsibility to defend my character,” he said.
Ombugadu revealed that he met with former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, to discuss a proposal from APC stakeholders at the national level, suggesting they move together in what he described as the interest of their people.
According to him, Maku requested time to consider the proposal, but he was surprised when reports emerged the following day claiming he had already accepted the position of APC deputy governorship candidate.
“I told him there was a proposal from APC stakeholders at the centre and suggested we move together in the interest of our people. He told me he would think about it. The following day, stories flooded the internet that I had already agreed to become APC deputy governor. That was never our agreement,” Ombugadu stated.
He further clarified that he never sought an automatic political appointment, stressing that his interest was to participate in a transparent primary election.
“I also made it clear that I was not interested in automatic appointments. I wanted to contest in a transparent primary election. When the process became frustrating, I returned to my party,” he said.
Ombugadu added that after returning to the PDP, he appealed to Maku to also return to the party, assuring him of its support for the forthcoming by-election. However, he said Maku declined, describing the PDP as a “dead party.”
Rejecting allegations that he accepted financial inducement to defect, Ombugadu challenged anyone making the claim to provide proof.
“I did not collect any money from anybody. If anyone gave me ₦3 billion, let them come forward with evidence or come and recover their money,” he declared.
