Taraba By-Election Shows Voter Frustration – Ex-PDP Secretary

Former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, Stephen Othaniel, has attributed the party’s defeat in the recently concluded Karim-Lamido I State Constituency by-election to poor leadership direction and underperformance by the current administration.

Speaking to journalists in Jalingo on Wednesday, Othaniel said the PDP’s loss in its traditional stronghold was a direct consequence of eroding public trust and growing dissatisfaction with Governor Agbu Kefas’ leadership.

“Ordinarily, PDP would have won the election without stress because Karim has always been a PDP stronghold. But the people lost trust after the former PDP lawmaker resigned his seat to take up a commissioner position, abandoning the mandate they gave him,” he said.

He further claimed that the governor’s administration had failed to translate high federal allocations and borrowing into tangible development outcomes.

“It has never been this bad since the creation of Taraba. With the highest allocation and borrowing, the governor has done practically nothing. The people have spoken, and this is not just about Karim; this is a statewide message ahead of 2027,” he stated.

Othaniel, who contested the 2023 State Assembly election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting a peaceful and transparent poll.

“Generally, the election was free, fair, and credible. INEC followed the electoral act, and I’d give them an 85 per cent pass mark. The security personnel were also impressive, proactive and professional. For over 30 years in politics, I have never seen them act this effectively,” he noted.

He also confirmed the arrest of individuals, including a sitting lawmaker, who were allegedly caught attempting to disrupt the process by snatching ballot papers.

“Thank God the security agencies responded swiftly. As we speak, those involved are in custody and will face prosecution under the law,” he added.

On the broader governance situation in the state, Othaniel decried the escalating insecurity and alleged government inaction, warning that the public’s patience is wearing thin.

“People are losing confidence. The insecurity is worsening, and the government has shown little interest in addressing it. The election result is the people’s way of expressing their frustration,” he said.