By Jude Opara
The Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions for Benue State, sitting in Abuja, has upheld the elections of all 23 local government chairmen under the All Progressives Congress (APC), delivering a decisive victory to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the ruling party.
The verdict, delivered yesterday, June 3, 2025, overturned earlier decisions by the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals, which had nullified APC victories in nine local councils following the October 2024 elections conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
The affected local government areas in the earlier rulings were Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, Agatu, Ado, Apa, and Ohimini.
However, the appellate panel dismissed the petitions filed primarily by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition groups, citing lack of merit and insufficient evidence of non-compliance with electoral laws.
Reacting to the judgment, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin Ejeh, hailed the decision as a triumph of justice and democracy.
He extended a hand of reconciliation to the opposition, urging them to join hands with the elected leaders in delivering good governance and development to the grassroots.
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