Aspirants jostling for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing federal constituency in Taraba State have expressed concerns over alleged interference by Governor Agbu Kefas.
The by-election, scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024, is marred by skirmishes as aspirants voice dismay at the perceived meddling with the electoral process.
Allegations abound that the governor is determined to ensure the emergence of his preferred candidate, Saleh Sa’ad, a move that has not been well-received by aspirants and some party chieftains.
As the clock ticks towards 3 pm the exercise has yet to begin at the Jolly Nyame stadium, with no aspirants or party officials visible at the venue, only for Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to declare his withdrawal from the race a few moments later.
In a press statement released at the venue, Yero cited “unfortunate political circumstances” as the driving force behind his decision.
According to him: “This decision is taken because of the unfavourable political circumstances leading to the primary.”
Yero, who emphasised his commitment to the peace and development of the party and the state, pledged to remain a loyal member of PDP.
In the meantime, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, countered the allegations, asserting that Governor Agbu Kefas did not endorse any candidate for the position.
