Jalingo APC Rally: Sadiq Tafida Denies Link to Youth’s Death, Demands Retraction of Allegations

Hon. Sadiq Abbas Tafida has denied allegations linking him to the organisation of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Jalingo and the reported death of a youth following a clash during the event.

Tafida, through his media office, described the allegations attributed to Abdulmumini Imam as misleading and called for their retraction, alongside a public apology if they are found to be false.

In a statement addressing the controversy, the lawmaker said the rally was independently organised by Majidadi youths in support of APC candidates and was neither organised by him nor conducted under his direction.

He argued that his political affiliation and standing should not be used to attribute responsibility for incidents associated with the gathering without credible evidence.

Tafida said any attempt to link him to the death of the youth without establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident could mislead the public and heighten political tensions.

He expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, describing the loss of a young life as a serious matter that required sensitivity and an impartial investigation rather than political exploitation.

The lawmaker called on Imam to retract any allegations improperly linking him to the organisation of the rally or the youth’s death, unless such claims could be substantiated with credible evidence.

He also demanded a public apology and correction through the same channels used to disseminate the allegations, where they are established to be false or misleading.

According to the statement, political discourse should be guided by fairness, responsibility and respect for the rights and reputations of individuals.

Tafida maintained that freedom of expression should not be used to circulate unsubstantiated claims capable of damaging reputations, deepening political divisions or provoking unnecessary tension.

He, however, clarified that his position was not intended to prevent legitimate scrutiny or criticism but to ensure that public discussions were based on verifiable information.

The lawmaker also called on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the youth’s death and any other credible reports of unlawful conduct connected with the rally.

He urged the authorities to establish the facts, determine whether any offence was committed and identify those responsible where supported by available evidence.

The statement stressed that the call for an investigation was not a demand for a predetermined outcome, adding that no individual should be condemned solely on the basis of political affiliation, public speculation or allegations circulating in the media.

It further maintained that anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation.

On political conduct, Tafida reaffirmed his commitment to peace, security and peaceful coexistence in Taraba State, urging political leaders, party supporters and youth groups to avoid violence, intimidation and the spread of unverified information.

He also expressed support for Governor Agbu Kefas’s Executive Order No. 7 of 2026, which the statement described as a measure aimed at prohibiting political thuggery and promoting a safer political environment in the state.

The lawmaker urged political stakeholders to respect the law and ensure that political activities remained peaceful and orderly.

He added that young people should be encouraged to participate in the democratic process through peaceful mobilisation, civic responsibility and community development.

The statement also appealed to media practitioners, community leaders and political actors to verify information before publication and allow security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

Tafida reiterated that he was not responsible for organising the rally and rejected allegations that he directed or was responsible for any unlawful conduct associated with the gathering.

He maintained that any connection between him, the rally and the reported death should be established through credible evidence rather than speculation or political considerations.