A member of the House of Representatives, Yusuf Adamu Babayo Gagdi, has strongly defended the growing wave of defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the trend is driven by confidence in governance rather than coercion.
Speaking during a media parley at his residence in Jos on Saturday, the lawmaker representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency dismissed allegations that political leaders are being pressured into joining the ruling party. According to him, such claims are unfounded and ignore the constitutional rights of politicians.“Why are leaders joining APC? Is it coercion? No,” Gagdi declared, stressing that freedom of association allows individuals to align with any political party of their choice.
He further defended Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that it would be unfair to accuse the president of forcing defections. He maintained that the decisions by governors and political figures to join the APC are voluntary and rooted in their assessment of the party’s performance.
Gagdi argued that Nigeria’s democracy remains strong, pointing to the continued existence of multiple political parties and the ability of politicians to switch affiliations freely. He rejected fears that the country is sliding into a one-party system.
According to him, the increasing alignment with the APC reflects the perceived impact of government policies, including infrastructure development, economic reforms, and governance outcomes under the current administration.
“Why are you not open to the fact that APC is doing well and that is why people want to join?” he asked, urging critics to consider performance as a key factor behind the political shift.
Beyond party politics, Gagdi used the forum to highlight his legislative achievements, noting that he has sponsored 58 bills in the National Assembly, with six already signed into law. He emphasized that true legislative performance should be measured by impact rather than confrontation with the executive arm of government.
“Performance in parliament is not about confrontation. It is about the laws you sponsor and how they improve lives,” he said.
The lawmaker explained that his legislative focus has been on addressing critical national issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and institutional reforms. He added that some of his initiatives have led to the establishment of key institutions and contributed to national development.
On security, Gagdi called for a coordinated national approach, stressing the need for stronger legislative support for security agencies to ensure lasting peace.He also outlined efforts in his constituency, including attracting federal projects, improving infrastructure, expanding access to education and healthcare, and promoting youth empowerment through training and job creation initiatives.
Gagdi highlighted improvements in road networks and public facilities across Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam, noting that these developments are gradually boosting economic activities and improving livelihoods.
He urged Nigerians to assess their representatives based on tangible results rather than political rhetoric, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and people-oriented governance.The lawmaker also encouraged journalists to embrace investigative reporting, particularly in scrutinizing public finances and governance outcomes.
Concluding, Gagdi reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive representation, unity, and sustained development, calling on communities to work together across ethnic and religious lines to promote peace and progress.
The media engagement, attended by journalists, bloggers, and content creators, served as a platform for open dialogue as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
