By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam, Plateau State – The All Progressives Congress has clarified the outcome of its primary election for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, confirming Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi as the winner after dismissing an earlier declaration made by unauthorized persons.
The Plateau APC Primaries Electoral Committee announced on Monday that only the officially appointed returning officer had the authority to declare the results. Chairman of the committee, Stella Okotete, told journalists in Jos that the initial announcement naming John Tongshinen victorious was invalid and had no standing.
“The only officially appointed returning officer, Barr. Nandom Andrew Kura, has the constitutional authority to declare the results of the primary election,” Okotete stated. She emphasized that any declaration made outside that mandate should be disregarded by party members and the public.
Following the clarification, Barr. Nandom Kura officially declared Gagdi winner of the APC primary conducted on Saturday across the constituency with Gagdi Polled 29,207 beating his closest rival Hon. Zephion Terkop Chrisanthus who scored 848 votes, among those who contested are,
Henry Gotip Jan, Abbas Adamu wokdung, John Tongshenen. . The incumbent lawmaker was affirmed as the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Henry Gotip Jan, Abbas Adamu wokdung, John Tongshenen. . The incumbent lawmaker was affirmed as the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, Gagdi said the primary was credible and properly conducted across all 36 electoral wards. He noted that the exercise was backed by accreditation records, photographs, and video materials documenting the process.
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi member representing pankshin Kanke Kanam PKK federal constituency during an interview with journalists in Jos after his declaration.
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi member representing pankshin Kanke Kanam PKK federal constituency during an interview with journalists in Jos after his declaration.The lawmaker dismissed claims of multiple results, saying he was only aware of two announcements, one of which had now been invalidated by the electoral committee. He described the process as transparent and in line with party guidelines.Gagdi further alleged that the earlier declaration attributed to Daspan Ishaya was fraudulent, arguing that the individual was neither appointed by the electoral committee nor authorized to announce election results. “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,” he said.The lawmaker also used the opportunity to canvass support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President has greater plans to transform Nigeria and that Plateau State has benefited immensely from his administration. He urged constituents to align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.Speaking on party unity, Gagdi called on his supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and non-confrontational. He also urged other contestants to come together and work for the benefit of the party, noting that “in any contest there must be a winner and my victory is for PKK.”
Addressing his supporters who turned out in large numbers, Gagdi said victory belongs to God. He expressed gratitude for their show of love and concern, saying it had charged him to do more as “better days lie ahead for PKK.”
The reversal has cleared the air on who actually won the primaries. Party officials have called for calm and adherence to the official outcome, warning against actions that could destabilize the party ahead of the general elections.
The APC primary in PKK remains one of the most closely watched contests in Plateau State due to Gagdi’s political influence and the intense competition surrounding the race ahead of 2027.
