By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Taraba State chapter has dismissed the speculation that they pressurised the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Innocent Jabayang to withdraw from the Jalingo/Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency by-election for the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Sadik Tafida
The CAN chairman, Reverend Magaji Jirapye, dismissed the speculation while speaking with journalists on Saturday in Jalingo.
The Jalingo Yorro and Zing by-election is due to the demised of Ismaila Maihanchi who won the February 25 2023 election.
The CAN chairman explained that Hon. Jabayang willingly stepped down after governor Kefas contacted him to allow PDP the chance, few hours before the election, and CAN was only informed after his decision.
“CAN was only informed about the decision because of our earlier resolution to support the candidate of the SDP candidate.
“When he willingly decided to withdraw to support the PDP candidate, the governor reached out to us because of our earlier resolution, and we held a meeting with the SDP candidate and he confirmed his decision to us. CAN did not force him to step down,” Jirapye explained.
However, efforts to reach Hon. Jabayang through phone calls and text messages proved abortive.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the by-election witnessed low turnout of voters in the various polling units and wards within Jalingo the state capital.
