Political realignments in Nasarawa State took a dramatic turn as former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), David Umbugadu, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress just weeks after joining the party.
Umbugadu, who contested the Nasarawa governorship elections in 2019 and 2023, confirmed his resignation in a letter dated March 24, 2026, addressed to his ward chairman in Ika/Wangibi, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.
In the letter, he cited concerns over alleged internal political manoeuvres that he believes could undermine his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election.
The politician’s decision marks a swift reversal, coming barely three weeks after he defected to the APC and was formally received by top party figures at the Government House in Lafia.
At the reception held on March 2, 2026, Umbugadu was welcomed by Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, alongside prominent party leaders including former governors Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
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However, his latest move signals a return to the Peoples Democratic Party, which he described as his longstanding political base.
Umbugadu’s political journey has seen multiple shifts over the years. He initially joined the PDP in 2014 after leaving the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change and remained with the party until his brief defection to the APC earlier this month.
Observers say his return to the PDP could have implications for the political landscape in Nasarawa State, particularly as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Umbugadu has not publicly detailed the alleged manoeuvres within the APC, his resignation highlights ongoing internal dynamics within political parties and the high stakes surrounding future electoral contests.
For many supporters, the move reflects both personal political calculations and the broader uncertainties shaping party loyalties in the state.