From Zwanke Zwanke, Lafia
Job creation for youths and support for women-owned businesses have emerged as key promises of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State as the party begins its campaign tour ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The party made the pledge on Monday in Awe Local Government Area, where its governorship candidate, Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, and other candidates commenced the local government campaign tour.
The Acting Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Mr Mark Ogbole, said a PDP administration would create employment opportunities for young people and support women in business to improve household incomes and economic security.
He said the party was seeking the people’s mandate to serve them and address their concerns, rather than abandon them after winning elections.
Ogbole said the decision to begin the campaign in Awe reflected the party’s intention to conduct a peaceful campaign across Nasarawa State.
Earlier, Ombugadu promised to prioritise security and infrastructure development if elected governor in 2027.
He said residents, particularly farmers, must be able to access their farms and pursue their livelihoods without fear of attacks, adding that security would be the foremost priority of his administration.
On infrastructure, the PDP candidate pledged to construct and rehabilitate roads linking communities within the state and improving connections with neighbouring states.
He specifically mentioned the road linking Akiri to Plateau State and routes connecting Nasarawa with Benue, Taraba and Plateau states.
Ombugadu also promised to pursue the proposed Wuse-Taraba road link and other rural roads to improve transportation, facilitate trade and open up communities for economic activities.
He said his administration would develop local tourism, citing the Hunkuyi Fishing Festival and Awe Hot Spring as attractions with the potential to generate revenue and create employment opportunities for residents.
The candidate assured the people that the development plans and campaign promises presented in 2019 and 2023, alongside those being made ahead of the next election, would be implemented if he secured the mandate.
The state PDP Chairman, Dr Daniel Gimba, described the campaign flag-off as a demonstration of the party’s determination to provide what he called purposeful leadership and address the hardship facing residents.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would win the election overwhelmingly if the process 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,” Gimba declared.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Nasarawa South, Dr Mike Omeri, thanked party members and supporters for their confidence in the candidates.
“Together with you, we will campaign to win the election, and we will win this election,” Omeri said.
Editorial distinction
Version 4 approaches the campaign from the perspective of tourism, investment and alternative revenue generation.
Version 5 focuses on employment, women’s economic empowerment and social welfare, while retaining security and infrastructure as supporting issues.
My recommendation: Use Version 4 for a development-focused political report and Version 5 for a separate story on the PDP’s proposed social and economic agenda.