From Zwanke Zwanke, Lafia
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has promised to harness the state’s tourism potential to generate revenue, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of rural communities if elected in 2027.
Ombugadu made the pledge on Monday in Awe Local Government Area during the flag-off of the PDP’s local government campaign tour ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He identified the Hunkuyi Fishing Festival and Awe Hot Spring as attractions his administration would develop to promote tourism and create economic opportunities for host communities.
The candidate said investment in local tourism would complement his proposed infrastructure development programme, particularly road construction and rehabilitation to improve access to rural communities and tourist destinations.
He promised to construct the road linking Akiri to Plateau State and improve strategic routes connecting Nasarawa with Benue, Taraba and Plateau states.
Ombugadu also mentioned the proposed Wuse-Taraba road link and other rural routes, saying improved connectivity would facilitate trade, strengthen inter-state relations and open up communities for economic activities.
He said security would be the foremost priority of his administration, stressing that farmers and other residents must be able to go about their daily activities without fear of attacks.
The PDP candidate assured the electorate that the development blueprints and promises made during his 2019 and 2023 campaigns, alongside those being presented ahead of 2027, would be implemented if he won the election.
At the event, the state PDP Chairman, Dr Daniel Gimba, said the party was determined to provide an alternative to the present administration and address the hardship confronting residents.
Gimba described Ombugadu as a man of integrity, transparency and hard work, expressing confidence that the PDP would win overwhelmingly if the election was not rigged.
“Today is a historic and remarkable day. We have chosen to start our local government tour, marking our victory coming in 2027 by the grace of God. 2027, there is no going back,” he declared.
The PDP senatorial candidate for Nasarawa South, Dr Mike Omeri, thanked supporters for the confidence reposed in the party’s candidates.
“Together with you, we will campaign to win the election, and we will win this election,” Omeri said.
The Acting Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Mr Mark Ogbole, said the party deliberately chose Awe to commence its peaceful campaign tour across the state.
He promised that a PDP administration would create employment opportunities for youths and support women in business, adding that the party was seeking power to improve the welfare of residents.