By Bolaji Peters (SIWES student, Polytechnic Iresi)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the inconclusive status of the by-election for the House of Representatives seat in Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing local government areas of Taraba state.
The decision stemmed from the tight race between the top two candidates, where the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) contender secured 17,214 votes, closely followed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate with 15,537 votes, leaving a narrow margin of 1,677 votes.
INEC attributed its decision to the fact that the winning margin between the leading candidates was lesser than the number of uncast votes in areas where the election couldn’t take place or was nullified.
Consequently, a re-election will be conducted in the affected areas involving the top two candidates, adhering to legal provisions and guidelines.
The commission emphasized its commitment to ensuring the re-election’s fairness, credibility, and freedom, urging all stakeholders to cooperate.
The by-election aimed to fill the vacant House of Representatives seat caused by the demise of Ismaila Maihanchi, who emerged victorious in the February 2023 general election but passed away before the 10th National Assembly’s inauguration.
Maihanchi, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), prompted the need for the by-election to ensure the constituency’s representation in the National Assembly.
Reports indicated a low turnout for the by-election held in Taraba state last Saturday.
