Confusion As Imam, Maisaje Both Claim PDP Ticket for Jalingo/Yorro/Zing

Confusion has engulfed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State following the emergence of two rival candidates for the House of Representatives seat representing Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency ahead of the next general election.

A faction of the party announced Hon. Balarabe Isa Maisaje as its candidate, declaring that he had been duly nominated to fly the PDP flag in the constituency. The development, however, has been countered by another bloc within the party which insists that Hon. Ibrahim Adam Imam remains the sole and duly recognized candidate.

The pro-Imam faction, reportedly aligned with loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, maintained that Imam emerged through a credible internal process. Party officials from this camp disclosed that his candidacy followed the conclusion of screening and verification exercises conducted by committees set up to oversee the nomination.

According to them, Imam met all constitutional requirements stipulated by the PDP as well as guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leading to his adoption as the consensus and only cleared aspirant for the seat.

The parallel claims have deepened internal divisions within the party in the constituency, raising concerns over the possibility of prolonged disputes that could weaken the PDP’s chances in the election.