The political storm that trailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Plateau State eventually ended in favour of Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, as the ruling party confirmed him as the authentic winner of the contest for the Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam (PKK) federal constituency.
For many residents across the PKK federal constituency, the outcome was more than a political victory. It was widely seen as a reward for years of grassroots mobilisation, philanthropy and constituency projects that have kept the lawmaker firmly connected to his people since his election. He was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, becoming the first person to win the election more than once in the constituency.
The controversy began after multiple declarations emerged from the APC primary election held across the constituency, creating confusion among party members and supporters.
One Monday Daspan had earlier announced in Pankshin that John Tongshinen scored 29,968 votes to defeat Gagdi, who was said to have polled 5,849 votes in the direct primary election.
“By the powers conferred on me as the chairman of this committee, I hereby declare Dr. John Tongshinen as the winner of the primaries for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency based on the records available to me,” Daspan stated while declaring the result.
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Daspan also maintained that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies monitored the exercise, insisting that the process complied with approved electoral procedures and party guidelines.
However, the political drama took a dramatic turn when Stella Okotete, chairman of the APC electoral committee in Plateau State, dismissed the earlier declaration and affirmed that elections were successfully conducted in all wards across the constituency.
She said reports available to the committee indicated that the primaries across Plateau State were peaceful, transparent and credible.
“The reports I received indicate that the primaries were peaceful, transparent and credible, reflecting the strength of the APC,” Okotete stated.
She further rejected claims that elections did not hold in PKK because of delayed arrival of election materials.
“There was no election in PKK because of the late arrival of materials only exists in the imagination of those making such allegations. Elections were conducted in all the wards, and we have videos showing activities at the polling units on the day of the exercise,” she said.
Okotete also warned that only duly appointed returning officers had the authority to declare winners, stressing that anyone acting outside the approved process could face legal consequences for impersonation.
According to the electoral committee chairman, Nandon Kura, the authentic returning officer officially declared Gagdi winner of the primary election with 29,207 votes out of the 31,150 votes cast.
The development immediately sparked celebrations across the constituency, where supporters insisted the lawmaker deserved another opportunity to continue his representation at the National Assembly.
For many political observers in Plateau State, the overwhelming support for Gagdi was not unconnected with the numerous empowerment programmes and development projects he has executed across Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam.
Since his election in 2019 and re-election in 2023, the lawmaker has built a reputation as one of the most visible and active members of the House of Representatives from Plateau State.
As chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Gagdi has remained influential within the National Assembly while also sustaining strong ties with his constituency.
His scholarship scheme for students from the constituency studying in tertiary institutions across the country remains one of his most celebrated interventions.
Hundreds of students have reportedly benefitted from educational support programmes designed to ease the financial burden on families struggling with tuition and academic expenses.
Beyond scholarships, the federal lawmaker has facilitated the renovation of schools and educational facilities in several communities within the constituency. He has also sunk boreholes and installed solar-powered streetlights across the constituency.
Residents say many schools that previously lacked proper structures and learning environments have received attention through projects facilitated by the lawmaker.
Gagdi has also been credited with influencing federal appointments for qualified sons and daughters of the constituency, a gesture many constituents describe as inclusive representation.
In addition, he has consistently distributed vehicles, cash donations and other empowerment materials to constituents and supporters across the three local government areas.
Many believe these interventions helped strengthen his grassroots appeal and created a bond between him and ordinary voters in rural communities.
Even during the controversy surrounding the APC primary election, many supporters openly stood by him and rejected attempts to deny him the party’s ticket.
In several communities across PKK, party loyalists reportedly mobilised in defence of the lawmaker, insisting that his performance justified another mandate.
The support base around Gagdi has also been linked to his accessibility and regular engagement with constituents on matters affecting their welfare.
While reacting to the controversy after the final declaration, Gagdi said the party leadership eventually affirmed the authentic result announced by the duly appointed returning officer.
“The chairman of the electoral committee clearly told journalists that all the eight federal constituencies had appointed officials to conduct the elections. The returning officer who declared me winner also confirmed that Nandom Kura’s announcement stands because he was the duly appointed returning officer for my federal constituency,” Gagdi said.
Supporters of the lawmaker described the final declaration as victory for democracy and grassroots politics within the APC structure in Plateau State.
Many residents argued that “the controversy only exposed the depth of support Gagdi enjoys across Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam federal constituency.
They also noted that the episode demonstrated how constituency performance and direct engagement with the people continue to shape political outcomes in the state.
During his thank you speech after securing the APC ticket, Gagdi thanked the people of the constituency for standing firmly with him throughout the process and pledged to intensify his developmental efforts if re-elected.
For the lawmaker and his supporters, the APC primary victory was not merely about securing another ticket. It was seen as a reaffirmation of the strong relationship built over the years through grassroots mobilisation, philanthropy and sustained constituency service.
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