20241209 174648

Nasarawa Election: Sule Condemns PDP’s Stolen Mandate Claim

Kehinde Fajobi

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has criticised the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for alleging that he “stole” their mandate in the 2023 governorship election.

Peter Ahemba, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, conveyed Sule’s position in a press statement issued on Monday in Lafia.

Ahemba accused the PDP and its candidate, David Ombugadu, of spreading misleading claims about the election outcome.

“Since Ombugadu’s defeat in the 2023 governorship election, the PDP has consistently alleged they won, despite the landslide victory secured by Governor Sule,” he said.

Referring to a recent event in Nakuse, Toto Local Government Area, Ahemba criticised Ombugadu for turning a wedding ceremony into a political rally.

“Ombugadu and some PDP leaders used the occasion—meant to celebrate a wedding—to distribute campaign flyers and posters.

“Campaigning this far ahead of the 2027 elections is a breach of electoral law and demonstrates Ombugadu’s desperation for power,” he stated.

In response, Jonah Esla, media aide to David Ombugadu, insisted that Governor Sule did not win the election fairly.

“Conscience is an open wound, and what transpired that led to the judiciary declaring him the winner is an open secret. Every day, his conscience reminds him that Ombugadu won,” Esla said.

Esla also claimed that the PDP remains the dominant force in Nasarawa State. He described Ombugadu as a peaceful leader whose achievements are evident across the state’s local governments.

“He believes God is preparing him for greater accomplishments,” Esla added.