A major political earthquake has hit Plateau State as businessman and APC chieftain, John Tonshinen, defeated incumbent federal lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.
Tonshinen polled a massive 29,968 votes to clinch the APC ticket, leaving Gagdi with just 5,849 votes in what many observers are already describing as one of the biggest political upsets in Plateau politics in recent years.
Gagdi, a two-term member of the House of Representatives and current Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, had sought a third term but was overwhelmingly rejected at the polls by party members across the constituency.
The shocking result signals a dramatic power shift within the APC structure in Plateau State and may reshape the political calculations ahead of the next general elections.
Political analysts say the outcome reflects growing voter fatigue with entrenched political figures, as grassroots delegates appeared determined to back a fresh face despite Gagdi’s national prominence and influence within the National Assembly.
Supporters of Tonshinen erupted in celebration shortly after the results were announced, describing the victory as “the return of power to the people.”
The APC primary in Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam is expected to remain a major talking point in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape in the coming days.
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