By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Karim 1 State Constituency by-election in Taraba State, Mr. Abner Shittu emerging as the winner.
Shittu garnered 5,901 votes, defeating his closest rival, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who scored 5,527 votes.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate trailed behind with 2,069 votes, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) secured 106 votes.
The victory marks a significant shift in Taraba State’s political landscape, which has been dominated by the PDP since 1999.
The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of Dr.Mike Dio Jen, the former duly elected member of the State Assembly, who vacated his seat to take up an appointment as Commissioner and member of the Taraba State Executive Council.
The outcome of this election is seen as a warning sign for the PDP, particularly with the 2027 elections on the horizon. Criticism of Governor Agbu Kefas’s performance, coupled with rumors of his potential defection to the APC, may have contributed to the party’s loss.
The governor’s recent statement expressing indifference to his re-election bid has sparked speculation about his future plans.
