Rhapsodi Affos Blog RAB Reporter 

The Taraba State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the Karim I State Constituency by-election, even as many party faithfuls blame Governor Agbu Kefas and Commissioner Mike Dio Jen for the defeat.

According to results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Abner Shittu, polled 5,895 votes to defeat PDP’s Ali Kanda, who scored 5,488 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) came third and fourth respectively.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the PDP State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, rejected the results, accusing the APC of electoral malpractices. He further disclosed that the party was consulting stakeholders on possible legal action to challenge the outcome.

Meanwhile, several PDP supporters have taken to social media to vent their anger, blaming the loss on internal missteps within the ruling party in Taraba State.

Governor Kefas was criticized for what they described as “unity politics” that weakened grassroots mobilization.

 He was also faulted for appointing Hon. Mike Dio Jen the former Karim I lawmaker as Commissioner for Tertiary Education, a move which vacated the seat and gave the opposition an opportunity to contest.

Supporters further accused the governor of neglecting loyal party members who worked during campaigns, while favoring others with appointments. Insecurity in Karim Lamido, marked by repeated attacks by gunmen, and the governor’s failure to personally visit the area despite setting up a panel of inquiry, was also highlighted as a factor.

Additionally, unpaid “ghost workers” salary arrears were cited as another issue that contributed to discontent in the constituency.

Hon. Mike Dio Jen has not been spared from criticism, with many accusing him of abandoning his elected position for an appointed office, describing the decision as one that left PDP vulnerable in the by-election.

Although opinions differ across the party, one common theme remains: PDP supporters insist the party must urgently re-strategize to avoid further electoral setbacks in the state.