The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has raised concerns over the preparation for the upcoming local government elections, citing a deliberate attempt to undermine transparency and fairness. In a statement, the party chairman, El-Sudi Ibrahim Tukura, accused the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) of favoring the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while restricting opposition participation.
At the center of the APC’s complaint is the significant increase in the tax clearance fee required for candidates, which has risen from N100,000 in previous elections to N1 million. The party views this hike as arbitrary and targeted, aimed at financially frustrating opposition candidates and creating an uneven playing field. According to the APC, this move is an intentional ploy to edge out credible opposition candidates and undermine the democratic process.
The party further alleged that TSIEC, under the leadership of Chairman Chief Philip Duwe, is failing to conduct a free and fair election, warning that such practices could deepen political disenfranchisement in the state. The APC cautioned the Taraba State government against imposing candidates or influencing the election outcome, emphasizing that democracy thrives when citizens are given the freedom to choose their leaders, especially at the grassroots level.
This is not an isolated incident, as opposition parties have consistently raised concerns over alleged electoral bias and lack of fairness in local government elections in Taraba. With the election date approaching, the APC is calling on civil society organizations, election monitors, and the public to remain vigilant and ensure that the polls are conducted transparently. The party urged TSIEC to reconsider the fee hike and take concrete steps to rebuild public confidence, acting in the interest of all Tarabans, not just those in power.
The upcoming local government elections in Taraba State are crucial, and the APC’s concerns highlight the need for a fair and transparent electoral process. As the election date draws near, the focus will be on TSIEC to ensure that the polls are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people, without any undue influence or restriction on opposition participation. The APC’s call for vigilance and transparency is a reminder that the integrity of the democratic system depends on the ability of citizens to participate freely and fairly in the electoral process.
