CAN: We didn't force the SDP candidate to step down

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Taraba state, has dismissed the speculation that they pressurized, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Innocent Jabayang for the bye-election for Jalingo, Yorro, and Zing federal constituency to step down for the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sadiq Tafida.

The CAN chairman, Magaji Jirapye, dismissed the speculation during an interaction with journalists on Saturday in Jalingo the state capital.

The ongoing bye-election followed the death of  Ismaila Maihanchi who won the February 25  2023 election.

Mr Jirapye said that Jabayang willingly stepped down after the governor consulted him a few hours before the election, he said CAN was only informed after his decision.

"CAN was informed about the decision because of our earlier resolve to support the aspiration 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 resolve and we held a meeting with the SDP candidate and he confirmed his decision to us.

"CAN did not force him to step down," Jipreye said.

All efforts to reach Jabayang through phone calls and text messages proved abortive.

It was observed that the bye-election was marred by a low turnout of voters in the various polling units and wards.

Our correspondent who monitored the election reported that people were seen going about doing their normal business activities and there were scanty voters in the polling units visited.

Though security personnel and INEC ad-hoc staff were on the ground at the various polling units and wards visited, there was largely voter apathy.

The major contenders in the election are Sadiq Abbas of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aminu Liman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, and Aminu Malle of the All Progressives Congress.

As of the time of filing this report, the elections are yet to conclude.