By Uhuru Samuel, Jalingo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scored a major political upset in Taraba State, clinching victory in Saturday’s Karim I State Constituency by-election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s candidate, Abner Shittu, winner after polling 5,901 votes, narrowly defeating his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Kanda, who scored 5,527 votes.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate trailed with 2,069 votes, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) managed just 106 votes.
The by-election followed the resignation of Mr. Dio Jen, who vacated his Assembly seat to join the Taraba State Executive Council as Commissioner.
End of an Era?
The outcome has rattled the state’s political landscape. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Taraba has been a PDP fortress. Analysts now say the APC’s win could signal the slow erosion of PDP’s dominance.
Governor Agbu Kefas—facing mounting criticism over alleged poor performance and strained ties with party stakeholders—recently remarked that he was “no longer bothered” about securing a second term in 2027. The comment has only fueled speculation about his political future, including rumours of a defection to the APC.
Saturday’s result is already being read as a warning shot to the ruling PDP ahead of 2027, with the APC positioning itself as a growing force in Taraba politics.