The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in all 23 local government election petitions in Benue State, as the Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions sitting at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House in Abuja delivered a sweeping judgment in favour of the ruling party.
The panel’s ruling affirmed the elections of all 23 APC local government chairmen, overturning earlier verdicts by the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals that had nullified APC victories in nine councils after the October 2024 polls conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
The councils previously affected by the tribunal nullifications included: Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, Agatu, Ado, Apa, and Ohimini.
Dismissing the appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties, the appellate panel ruled that the petitions lacked merit and failed to establish substantial non-compliance with electoral laws.
Reacting to the ruling, Agatu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, described the outcome as a “victory for justice and democracy.” He called on the opposition to embrace peace and collaborate with the elected local leaders to foster grassroots development and good governance.
This landmark decision strengthens the political position of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the APC ahead of future electoral cycles in the state.