By Sani Yarima
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) recently held a primary election to determine its candidate for the upcoming bye-election for Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency in Taraba State.
The election was a consensus and took place at the Gymnasium Hall of the Jolly Nyame Stadium Jalingo, with Prince Sadiq Abbas Tafida, the son of the Emir of Muri, emerging as the winner.
The bye-election was necessitated by the untimely demise of the elected member, Isma’ila Yusha’u Maihanci, shortly after his election but before he could be sworn in. The election is scheduled for the 3rd of February 2024.
In his post-election speech, Prince Sadiq Abbas Tafida expressed his gratitude to the PDP for choosing him as their candidate and promised to deliver the dividend of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.
He also stated that consensus is a tradition of the party, and the other nine aspirants voluntarily stepped down for him.
He further revealed that he intends to visit each of the other contestants to solicit their support to enable the PDP to win the election.
Hon. Tafida also thanked the delegates and reminded the delegates that their job is not yet done until the PDP wins the upcoming bye-election.
Hon. Leah Solomon, the only female aspirant, expressed satisfaction with the consensus and stated that she stepped down voluntarily for the winner, not under pressure.
She expressed concern about the inadequate implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women across the nation and reaffirmed her commitment and loyalty to the PDP in the State.
The electoral committee chairman and returning officer, Hon. Muhammed Bello Aliyu, announced that 96 delegates were accredited, but only 95 voted.
According to Aliyu, Hon. Sadiq Abbas Tafida, having scored the highest votes, was declared the winner of the election.
Kuriya Tafarki Auta, the State party’s Secretary, described the conduct of the election as peaceful and free of hitches.
Auta called on the other aspirants to rally around the winner and work as one family to enable the PDP to win the election.
In summary, Prince Sadiq Abbas Tafida emerged as the PDP candidate for the upcoming bye-election for Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency in Taraba State, and the party is gearing up to win the election.
Recall that ten aspirants have indicated an interest in the PDP ticket to represent the Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing Federal Constituency.
They included Bello Yero, Sadiq Abbas Tafida, Leah Solomon, Umar Abdullahi Baba, Ibrahim Adam Iman, Hassan Bappa, Jabiru Luqman Maihanci, Sale Sa’ad, Tukur Isa Yerima, and Hassan Bakari.
However, Sahel Reporters observed that two out of the ten who were considered to be the major contestants Alhaji Bello, and Sale Sa’ad were absent at the venue of the primary election.
