APC Resolves Plateau Primary Dispute: Yusuf Gagdi Declared Authentic Winner After Controversial Reversal

Overview: A High-Stakes Primary Reversal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially overturned the initial outcome of its primary election for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State, declaring incumbent lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi as the authentic winner. This decision, announced on Monday at the APC state secretariat in Jos, resolves a contentious dispute that erupted just 24 hours earlier when a rival candidate, Dr. John Tongshinen, was prematurely declared the victor. The reversal underscores the internal mechanisms of party governance and the critical importance of procedural legitimacy in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The Controversy: Unauthorized Declaration Sparks Confusion

The initial confusion began when Monday Daspan, claiming authority as chairman of the primary committee, announced Dr. Tongshinen as the winner with 29,968 votes against Gagdi’s 5,849 votes. Daspan asserted that the exercise was monitored by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security personnel, lending an air of credibility to his announcement. However, this declaration was immediately challenged by Gagdi’s camp, which argued that Daspan lacked the constitutional authority to make such a pronouncement.

Why the Initial Declaration Was Invalid

According to Stella Okotete, Chairperson of the APC Plateau State Primaries Electoral Committee, only the officially appointed returning officer—Nandom Kura—had the constitutional mandate to declare the primary results. Okotete emphasized that any declaration made outside this mandate is null and void. This principle is rooted in the APC’s internal guidelines, which vest exclusive authority in designated electoral officials to ensure transparency and prevent unauthorized interference. The party’s constitution explicitly states that election officials must be appointed by the electoral committee, and any deviation from this process undermines the integrity of the exercise.

The Official Reversal: Gagdi Confirmed as Winner

Following the clarification, returning officer Nandom Kura formally declared Yusuf Gagdi the winner of the APC primary election for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, conducted on Saturday. Gagdi, who currently chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, had previously rejected the earlier declaration, insisting that the primary was duly conducted across all 36 wards in the constituency. He backed his claim with accreditation records, photographs, and video evidence, demonstrating the credibility of the process.

Gagdi’s Response: Allegations of Fraud and Procedural Violations

Addressing journalists in Jos after his confirmation, Gagdi dismissed claims of multiple results, stating that he was only aware of two announcements—one of which had now been declared illegitimate by the party. He alleged that the earlier declaration credited to Daspan was fraudulent, arguing that Daspan was not appointed by the electoral committee and therefore lacked the authority to announce the result. Gagdi further questioned the credibility of the earlier announcement, citing inconsistencies surrounding Daspan’s role during the conduct of the exercise.

“The constitution and guidelines of the party clearly vest the power to appoint election officials in the electoral committee. Any declaration outside that authority is null and void,” Gagdi stated.

Broader Implications: What This Means for the 2027 Elections

The Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency seat is considered one of the key contests in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections. This dispute highlights several critical issues:

1. The Importance of Procedural Legitimacy

Primary elections are the foundation of democratic representation within political parties. When unauthorized individuals declare results, it erodes trust in the process and can lead to legal challenges, party infighting, and voter disenfranchisement. The APC’s swift reversal demonstrates the party’s commitment to upholding its own rules, but it also raises questions about how such unauthorized declarations occur in the first place.

2. The Role of Evidence in Dispute Resolution

Gagdi’s use of accreditation records, photographs, and video evidence to support his claim is a best practice that other candidates should emulate. In an era of digital transparency, parties and electoral bodies must prioritize verifiable documentation to resolve disputes quickly and fairly. This case serves as a practical example for future primaries across Nigeria.

3. The Impact on Voter Confidence

Conflicting announcements can confuse voters and undermine their confidence in the electoral process. The APC’s decision to clarify the situation promptly—within 24 hours—helped mitigate potential damage. However, the incident underscores the need for robust internal communication protocols to prevent similar controversies.

Celebrations and Reactions: A Divided Constituency

The latest declaration sparked celebrations in parts of Kanam and Pankshin, where supporters of Gagdi reportedly trooped out in jubilation. However, the dispute has also exposed underlying tensions within the constituency, which could influence voter behavior in the 2027 general elections. Dr. Tongshinen’s camp has not yet issued a formal response, but the incident may lead to legal challenges or appeals within the party.

Practical Takeaways for Political Stakeholders

For candidates, party officials, and voters, this case offers several lessons:

• Candidates: Always document every stage of the primary process, including accreditation, voting, and result collation. Maintain independent records to counter unauthorized declarations.
• Party Officials: Ensure that only designated returning officers announce results. Implement clear communication protocols to prevent unauthorized statements.
• Voters: Rely on official party announcements and verified sources for election results. Be wary of unverified claims from unauthorized individuals.

Conclusion: A Test of Party Discipline

The APC’s resolution of the Plateau primary dispute reaffirms the importance of procedural integrity in Nigeria’s political landscape. While the controversy may have caused temporary confusion, the party’s adherence to its own rules sets a positive precedent for future elections. As the 2027 general elections approach, all stakeholders must prioritize transparency, documentation, and adherence to established guidelines to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected.

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