HON. ABNER SHITTU RECEIVES CERTIFICATE
OF RETURN FOR KARIM I CONSTITUENCY

By Mohammed Tikka

Today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented the certificate of return to Hon. Abner Shittu, the newly elected member for Karim I State Constituency. The ceremony took place at the INEC headquarters in Jalingo, Taraba State.

In his welcome address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Taraba State, Alhaji Umar Mukhtar Gajiram, reaffirmed that the election was conducted freely and fairly. He commended voters, political parties, INEC staff, and security operatives for ensuring a smooth process. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by the difficult terrain of Karim Lamido during the rainy season but noted that the election was successfully completed.

Alhaji Gajiram also reminded Taraba residents that the continuous voters’ registration exercise has commenced and urged political parties to mobilize their supporters and other citizens to take advantage of the opportunity. He congratulated the winner and asked him to regard the victory as a mandate from his people to serve them faithfully.

In his remarks, the member-elect, Hon. Shittu, began by calling for a minute of silence for the victims of the recent farmers-herders crisis in Karim I. He praised the efforts of Alhaji Sani Abubakar Dankadi, the State Chairman of his party, Bar. Ibrahim Tukur Elsudy, the state women leader, and all others who contributed to the party’s victory.

Hon. Shittu expressed gratitude to everyone present and emphasized that his victory is for the people of Karim I, not for himself. He promised fair representation and called on opposition members to join hands with him in working for the development of their constituency.

The state party secretary, Mr. Fidelis, commended INEC for its transparency during the election. He expressed the party’s readiness to challenge the opposition in future elections, stating that the APC is prepared to take over the state in the 2027 general elections.