Nigeria Not Drifting Towards One-Party State – Hon Gagdi

Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State,  Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi, has dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state.

He argued that the existence of multiple political parties and the ability of politicians to switch affiliations are signs of a healthy democracy.

According to him, politicians joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) are not being coerced, insisting that the growing wave of defections into the ruling party is driven by confidence in its leadership and performance.

Gagdi spoke during a media parley with journalists at his residence in Jos at the weekend.

“Why are leaders joining APC? Is it coercion? No,” Gagdi declared, as he defended the increasing number of politicians aligning with the ruling party.

The federal lawmaker maintained that the decision by governors and other political leaders to join the APC is a constitutional right rooted in freedom of association.

He stressed that no individual, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has the authority to stop politicians from joining any political party of their choice.

“It will not be fair to accuse the president of forcing anyone to join APC. These are decisions taken freely within the provisions of the constitution,” he said.

Explaining the reasons behind the defections, Gagdi pointed to what he described as the visible impact of the policies of the APC-led Federal Government under President Tinubu.

He insisted  that improvements in infrastructure, economic reforms and governance outcomes are influencing political actors to identify with the ruling party.

“Why are you not open to the fact that APC is doing well and that is why people want to join?” he asked.

While acknowledging that not all Nigerians may agree with government policies, he said democracy allows for both support and opposition.

Gagdi also used the opportunity to urge journalists to embrace investigative reporting, especially in scrutinising public finances and governance outcomes across states.

Highlighting his legislative contributions, the lawmaker said he has sponsored 58 bills, six of which have been signed into law, alongside reforms to Nigeria’s policing framework and interventions in the education sector.

Speaking on Plateau politics, Gagdi declared that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has performed creditably and deserves a second term in office.

He urged citizens of his constituency and Nigerians at large to continue supporting President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang to enable them consolidate on their achievements.

According to him, Governor Mutfwang has shown commitment to governance through infrastructural development, security interventions and policies aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

He said the governor’s performance has earned him the support of the people for another term.

Gagdi also said President Tinubu deserves continued support for his reforms and policies aimed at repositioning the country.

The federal lawmaker, who expressed appreciation to his constituents for their support over the years, said he remains committed to providing quality representation and effective legislation.

He vowed to continue providing more quality legislation if re-elected, saying his focus remains on sponsoring people-oriented bills and motions that would positively impact the lives of the people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam, PKK, Federal Constituency.

Gagdi further stated that he deserves a third term in office based on his achievements and legislative performance.

He listed some of his bills, motions and constituency projects, noting that they are targeted at addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, roads, youth empowerment and other sectors.

He assured the people that he would not relent in attracting more democratic dividends to the constituency and urged them to remain united and continue supporting leaders at all levels for sustained development.