Prof. Sani Yahaya, the governorship candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) in Taraba, has rejected the outcome of the gubernatorial election in the state.

Mr Yahaya told journalists in Jalingo on Tuesday that he would challenge the result of the governorship election in court.

According to him, there were overwhelming evidence of electoral malpractice in the election that gave victory to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kefas Agbum.

Mr Yahaya urged his supporters and the people of the state to stay calm and eschew violence, assuring that the NNPP won the election and would reclaim its mandate through legal means.

He appreciated the people for their love and support throughout the electioneering process.

“Yesterday’s announcement and declaration of a candidate does not mean an end to the election process.

“The process continues in line with the guidelines. Taraba is used to enduring injustice by writing fictitious results. Luckily, the Electoral Act as amended has made provisions for all results to be reviewed.

“We are confident that the victory is ours. We would challenge the result through every legal means and claim our victory.

“Our victory is certain and we would retain it. I call on Taraba people to stay calm. We would challenge the results because I am the duly elected governor of Taraba State.

“That mandate cannot be stolen. We have initiated the process and we are on course,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state said Mr Agbu polled 302,614 votes to defeat Mr Yahaya, who scored 202,277 votes.

(NAN)