In a press conference held in Taraba State, SDP candidate Innocent Umaru Jabayang announced his intention to challenge the outcome of the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing federal constituency by-election. Jabayang alleged collusion between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manipulate the results in favor of the PDP candidate, Sadiq Tafida.

Jabayang, visibly displeased with the election’s outcome, asserted that the electoral process was marred by irregularities across several polling units in Jalingo. He emphasized his determination to pursue legal action, declaring his intention to reclaim what he referred to as “a stolen mandate.”


The returning officer for the election, Professor Olarenwaju Oladipo, had declared Sadiq Tafida of the PDP as the winner. However, Jabayang remained steadfast, stating, “My lawyers have already initiated legal proceedings. I won the election, but INEC colluded with the PDP to manipulate the results.”

Jabayang vowed to present concrete evidence to the judiciary, supporting his claim that the election was unfairly influenced. He alleged multiple irregularities, including the cancellation of polling units where he purportedly held a lead and instances of over-voting favoring the PDP candidate. Jabayang concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending the mandate entrusted to him by the voters and seeking justice through the legal system.