Gagdi calls for good governance, rallies support for APC ahead of Plateau LG polls
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the representative for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency at the 10th National Assembly, has emphasized his commitment to representative democracy as a means to foster good governance and ensure accountability to the public.
As the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy for both the 9th and 10th Assemblies, Gagdi has been instrumental in sponsoring significant legislation, including the establishment of Admiral University of Navy and the recent transformation of the Federal College of Education (FCE) Pankshin into the Federal University of Education, Pankshin.
He reiterated his dedication to empowering his constituents and championing bills that are beneficial to them.
Speaking at the official campaign kickoff for All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates running for chairmanship in Kanam LGA, including Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi Barau and 20 councillors, Gagdi projected confidence ahead of the local government elections set for October 9, 2024.
He asserted that the APC remains strong despite political turbulence, citing a recent influx of over 15,000 individuals who switched allegiance from the PDP and other parties.
“The real force behind the political scene are the everyday citizens—the ones who cast their votes. They have clearly expressed their support for me in Kanam.”
“Any attempt to manipulate the election in Kanam will be futile. While announcements may come from Jos, elections will be conducted transparently and fairly here in Kanam”, Gagdi remarked, highlighting the community’s readiness for the upcoming elections.
Recently, however, the APC faced challenges as notable members, including former council chairman Alhaji Dayyabu Garga and former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Saleh Yipmong, along with their supporters, departed the party to join the PDP.
This exodus has been interpreted by some observers as a significant blow to the APC’s standing in both Kanam and the larger Plateau region. Nevertheless, Gagdi maintains a strong belief that the electorate will favor the APC, emphasizing the party’s accomplishments throughout the PKK constituency.
He stated.”I am a product of the APC,Every road you travel has been constructed by my efforts. There isn’t a street in this area that hasn’t benefited from my initiatives. From boreholes supplying clean water at polling units to the town halls we’ve built, the evidence of development is clear. Even those from the PDP utilize the facilities we’ve constructed for their meetings.”
Gagdi highlighted the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, stating, “We voluntarily cover registration fees for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB—not just directing people to business centers. We have made substantial contributions to our community.
Additionally, he announced an empowerment fund totaling nearly N30 million, which includes N10 million for distribution across 20 electoral wards and N19.95 million allocated for various support groups within Kanam LGA.
Also, Hon. Rufus Bature, chairman of the APC in Plateau, assured former party members that they would receive equitable treatment, claiming that decampees are entitled to the same rights and benefits as long-standing members.
Professor Saleh Kanam, Grand Patron of the Kanam Progressive Movement (KPM), voiced optimism about the APC’s enduring popularity in the area, although he acknowledged that the party lost approximately 28 out of 285 polling units across Kanam’s 20 wards.
Senator Simon Lalong, represented by governorship candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Senator Diket Plang, called on constituents to participate actively in the elections on October 9, urging them to cast their votes for the APC.