The Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions for Benue State, sitting at the NBA House in Abuja, has upheld the elections of all 23 APC local government chairmen, dealing a major win to Governor Hyacinth Alia and his party. This marks a significant reversal of previous tribunal decisions that had voided APC victories in several councils after the October 2024 local government elections.
Earlier, the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals had nullified APC victories in nine local government areas, including Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, Agatu, Ado, Apa, and Ohimini. These rulings had raised concerns within the APC, as the party’s local dominance was challenged in key strongholds across the state.
However, the Appeal Panel dismissed all opposition petitions, most of which were filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on grounds of lacking merit and failing to provide compelling evidence of electoral malpractice or non-compliance with the law. The panel’s decision effectively restored APC’s full control over the grassroots level in Benue.
In response to the judgment, Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, praised the ruling as a victory for justice and democratic principles. He called on the opposition to put political differences aside and work collaboratively with the ruling party to promote development and good governance across the state.
This clean sweep by the APC at the appeal stage solidifies Governor Alia’s influence and strengthens the party’s grip on local administration in Benue. The verdict also signals a setback for the PDP and other opposition forces who had hoped to reverse the APC’s local government gains through the legal route.
Source: Dailypost