The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged victorious in all chairmanship and councillorship elections across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas, following the withdrawal of rival parties from the contests on Saturday.

Announcing the outcome on Sunday, the Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), Philip Duwe, confirmed that PDP candidates secured all positions in both chairmanship and councillorship elections.

Gossip News Now reports that Duwe described the polls as “peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will,” noting that the electoral process ran smoothly throughout the state.

He stated, “The election was conducted peacefully, transparently, and truly represented the desires of the electorate.”

Prior to the elections, seven political parties had pulled out, citing disagreements with the electoral guidelines issued by TSIEC.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), which initially challenged the commission’s regulations in court, eventually withdrew its legal case. The party reportedly considered factors including the potential defection of Governor Agbu Kefas and some PDP members to the APC in making its decision.

Following the official declaration of results, TSIEC presented certificates of return to all elected chairmen and councillors on Sunday.

Gossip News Now notes that speculation continues regarding the possible defection of Governor Kefas from the PDP to the APC.