Gov. Sule Reacts to PDP’s Claims, Defends Electoral Victory in Nasarawa

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has strongly rejected recent accusations by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who have claimed that he “stole” their mandate in the 2023 governorship election. Sule expressed his disappointment over these allegations, asserting that they were both misleading and false.

Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sule on Public Affairs, issued a statement on Monday in Lafia to clarify the governor’s stance. Ahemba criticized the opposition for continuing to make baseless claims despite Sule’s decisive victory in the election. According to Ahemba, since the defeat of David Ombugadu in the 2023 Nasarawa governorship race, the PDP has repeatedly insisted they won, contradicting the reality of the election results.

“These claims are an attempt to undermine the democratic process and the landslide victory secured by Governor Abdullahi Sule,” Ahemba said, expressing disappointment in the opposition’s inability to accept the election outcome. He also pointed to a recent event in Toto Local Government Area where Ombugadu and PDP leaders allegedly turned a wedding ceremony into a political rally. In a video circulating on social media, Ombugadu was seen distributing campaign flyers and posters, which Ahemba described as a violation of electoral law.

“It is troubling that Ombugadu, ahead of the 2027 general elections, is using every opportunity, including a social event, to campaign for his personal political gain,” Ahemba said. “This behavior exposes the desperation of Ombugadu and his party.”

In response, Jonah Esla, media aide to David Ombugadu, countered that Governor Sule’s victory was tainted and unjust. Esla insisted that Sule’s conscience would attest to the fact that Ombugadu won the election. “Conscience is an open wound. What happened leading to the judiciary’s declaration of Sule as the winner is an open secret,” Esla remarked, further emphasizing the PDP’s belief that they hold control over the state.

Esla added that Ombugadu, who remains at peace with the outcome, believes that his time will come and that God is preparing him for greater opportunities. “David Ombugadu remains a peaceful and passionate leader with a lasting impact across all local governments in the state,” Esla noted.

As tensions persist between the PDP and Governor Sule’s camp, the political scene in Nasarawa remains heated. Both sides continue to contest the legitimacy of the 2023 election, with Governor Sule firmly defending his victory.