By Our Reporter

The former State Public Relations Officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Ibrahim Hamza, has called on the PDP governorship candidate in the last general elections, Hon. David Ombugadu to publicly disclose the sources of his campaign fund.

Hamza made the call during an exclusive interview with Nasarawa Eye in Lafia, where he expressed concern over how Ombugadu was able to finance his governorship campaigns in both the 2019 and 2023 elections and is already preparing for another contest in 2027.

He said the people of Nasarawa State deserve to know how a single individual could fund such massive political campaigns without visible institutional or collective backing, stressing that transparency in political financing is necessary for accountability in governance.

Hamza, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year, stated that campaign financing should not be kept secret, as openness about funding sources reflects the integrity and credibility of those seeking public office.

The former PDP spokesman accused the opposition party in the state of being plagued by internal divisions, particularly among members loyal to Ombugadu, adding that such tendencies have continued to weaken the PDP’s structure and undermine its chances in future elections.

He said the PDP in Nasarawa State has become disorganized and deeply divided, with factional interests taking precedence over the collective good of the party. According to him, the growing crisis and poor internal management within the party have made it difficult for it to present a united front capable of challenging the ruling APC.

Hamza also faulted Ombugadu’s relationship with the people of Lafia, alleging that the PDP candidate has not shown genuine interest in the capital city or built trust with its residents. He said Lafia, being the political and traditional centre of the state, plays a decisive role in elections and that any candidate who fails to build strong ties with its people is unlikely to succeed at the polls.

He maintained that the lack of engagement between Ombugadu and Lafia residents contributed to his previous electoral defeats, noting that the people expect political leaders to be accessible and responsive to their concerns.

Hon. Hamza also criticized the frequent talk of a “stolen mandate” among PDP members, questioning who, in the first place, gave the PDP any mandate in Nasarawa State to begin with—let alone talk about it being stolen.

He stated that the people of Nasarawa State gave their mandate to Governor Abdullahi Sule, a victory affirmed by INEC, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court in their respective judgments. “So, which stolen mandate are you talking about?” Hamza queried.

The former PDP spokesman commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his leadership and developmental strides in Nasarawa State. He said the governor has demonstrated commitment to the state’s progress through various infrastructural projects and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

Hamza urged residents to continue supporting Governor Sule’s administration, describing it as one that has brought stability and visible development to Nasarawa. He encouraged the people to disregard the opposition’s criticisms and focus on sustaining the gains recorded under the present government.

He described the PDP as a party that has lost direction and influence, adding that it is gradually becoming politically irrelevant in Nasarawa State. Hamza expressed doubts about the party’s ability to survive beyond the 2027 general elections, citing dwindling membership, weak leadership, and internal conflicts as major challenges confronting it.

He said most of the key figures who once gave strength to the PDP in the state have either defected to other parties or withdrawn from active participation due to frustration and lack of unity.

Hamza maintained that the APC under Governor Abdullahi Sule remains the only party with a clear vision and organized structure capable of delivering sustained development and good governance to the people of Nasarawa State.

He said the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, industrial growth, and human capital development have distinguished it from past governments and earned it widespread public confidence.

Hamza also stated that his defection to the APC was driven by conviction and the desire to contribute to the continued growth of Nasarawa State under a leadership that prioritizes progress, accountability, and stability.

He emphasized that the people of Nasarawa must support leaders who are transparent, credible, and dedicated to service, adding that the days of deceptive and divisive politics are over.

Hamza further stated that the APC’s inclusive approach and clear development agenda have restored public trust in governance, making it difficult for any disorganized opposition to challenge its dominance in the state.

He urged citizens to remain united and focused on sustaining the developmental progress being achieved under Governor Sule, while dismissing the PDP’s internal squabbles as evidence of a party struggling for survival.

Hamza concluded that the political reality in Nasarawa State has shifted permanently in favour of the APC, and that the opposition would need to rebuild from the ground up if it hopes to remain relevant in the coming years.