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Why Politicians Are Joining APC — Gagdi Explains
“Why are leaders joining APC? Is it coercion? No,” declared Yusuf Adamu Babayo Gagdi, as he addressed journalists during a media parley held at his Jos residence on Saturday, offering a strong defence of the growing wave of defections into the ruling party.
The member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency dismissed claims that the increasing number of politicians joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the result of pressure or political manipulation. Instead, he argued that the trend reflects confidence in the party’s governance and leadership.
According to Gagdi, the decision by governors and political leaders to align with the APC is a constitutional right rooted in freedom of association. He stressed that no individual, including the president, has the authority to prevent politicians from joining any 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.
Gagdi further rejected suggestions that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system, insisting that the existence of multiple political parties and the ability of individuals to switch affiliations demonstrate the strength of the country’s democracy.
Providing context for the defections, the lawmaker pointed to what he described as the visible impact of government policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He maintained 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, urging critics to consider performance as a driving factor rather than attributing defections to negative motives.
While acknowledging that not all Nigerians may agree with government policies, Gagdi emphasized that democracy allows for differing opinions, adding that support and opposition are both legitimate features of the political system.
Beyond the issue of party defections, the lawmaker used the engagement to encourage journalists to embrace investigative reporting, particularly in scrutinizing public finances and governance outcomes across states.
He also highlighted his legislative contributions, noting that he has sponsored 58 bills, with six already signed into law, alongside reforms to Nigeria’s policing framework and interventions in the education sector.
The interactive session, which brought together journalists, bloggers, publishers and content creators, was described by Gagdi as an open platform for dialogue rather than a political campaign, even as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gagdi maintained that public trust in leadership should be based on tangible results, insisting that policies—though sometimes difficult—are designed to deliver long-term benefits for Nigerians.
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.
Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.
"Those who are saying we don't have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time," Yari said
The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.
Yari also expressed confidence in the APC's chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.
Yari further praised Tinubu's leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.
He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.
Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.
2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas
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