John Tongshinen and Hon. Yusuf Gagdi
A major political upset has emerged in Plateau State following the defeat of Hon. Yusuf Gagdi in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency seat.
The incumbent lawmaker, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, lost his bid for a third term ticket to Dr. John Tongshinen in a landslide outcome announced on Saturday.
Declaring the results, the returning officer, Koshyap Yusuf Yaghi, said Tongshinen polled 29,968 votes to defeat Gagdi, who secured 5,849 votes.
The result marks a dramatic shift in the political landscape of Plateau Central, where Gagdi has remained one of the most visible and influential figures within the APC.
Gagdi was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He rose to national prominence through his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Navy and his active participation in legislative debates and constituency engagements.
His defeat is expected to reshape political calculations within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the victory, Tongshinen has now emerged as the APC candidate for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the next general election.
