Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has clinched the APC's governorship ticket for a second-term run. He defeated his rivals decisively in Friday's party primary election.
Kefas garnered 166,357 votes across all 16 local government areas in the state. His closest challenger, former Transportation Minister Alhaji Muazu Sambo Jaji, could only manage 4,110 votes.
Election committee secretary Dr Haruna Yakubu announced the results on Friday evening at Fast Track Hotel in Jalingo. He read the figures on behalf of the committee chairman.
The governor expressed gratitude to party members and loyal supporters immediately after his victory. He told reporters he's confident of winning next year's general election.
According to Kefas, another term will allow him to complete ongoing development projects across the state. He appealed for continued support from both the APC and the broader electorate.
Jaji's campaign organization rejected the outcome within hours of the announcement. The group alleged multiple irregularities plagued the entire exercise.
Dr Ishaq El-Kasim, director of communications for Jaji's team, spoke to reporters in Jalingo. He outlined several concerns about how the primary was conducted.
Jaji's convoy was attacked by armed thugs during the election, El-Kasim alleged. Voting didn't take place at several designated polling centers across the state.
In areas where voting occurred, proper counting procedures weren't followed, the official claimed. Results appeared inflated and didn't reflect actual ballots cast.
He pointed to disruptions in Sarkin Dawaki Ward, located in Jalingo. Political thugs prevented voting from happening in that area, he said.
Many of Jaji's supporters were barred from voting at certain polling stations. El-Kasim described the atmosphere as hostile and intimidating.
Jaji's organization plans to lodge formal complaints with the APC appeal committee. They're currently compiling detailed documentation of all alleged violations for submission.
