Former member of the House of Representatives, Dachung Bagos, has said his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by principle and the PDP’s inability to provide effective leadership. Bagos made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, shortly after formally announcing his defection.
Bagos dismissed claims that his move, alongside other politicians, was motivated by personal ambition or political opportunism. Instead, he argued that the decision was based on the need for a credible political platform that could give ordinary citizens a stronger voice and offer solutions to pressing governance challenges.
According to him, the PDP has reached a point where it can no longer be salvaged. He described the opposition party as “failed” and “irredeemable” in its current state, citing internal crises and a lack of clear direction. Bagos stressed that his defection reflects a broader dissatisfaction within the party, as more members continue to leave for the APC and the African Democratic Congress.
Bagos, who represented Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in Plateau State from 2019 until November 2023, officially joined the APC on January 4, 2026. His move came alongside other political figures loyal to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who also recently defected from the PDP. Governor Mutfwang had cited deep internal divisions within the PDP and the need for purposeful leadership as reasons for his own departure.
Emphasizing that governance should rise above party loyalty, Bagos said political platforms must be judged by the quality of their ideas and policies. He noted that the APC’s agenda aligns more closely with his ideological beliefs and the aspirations of the people of Plateau State.
Bagos highlighted key governance issues being advanced by the current administration, including the push for state police and the reinforcement of local government autonomy. He said these reforms are critical to improving security, strengthening grassroots governance, and ensuring that local councils conduct democratic elections.
He also underscored the importance of inclusion in governance, particularly for young people and individuals without political connections. According to Bagos, politics should create opportunities for all citizens, not just those from influential backgrounds. He expressed hope that meaningful reforms would encourage youths who have lost faith in politics to re-engage in the democratic process.
Overall, Bagos maintained that his defection was not about loyalty to personalities but about aligning with a platform he believes can deliver solutions and restore public confidence in governance.
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