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The Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions for Benue State, sitting at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House 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 on Tuesday, 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.
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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.
In other news, Major roads in Benin City, the Edo State capital, were brought to a standstill on Friday as Governor Monday Okpebholo, his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led thousands of jubilant supporters in a victory march to celebrate their recent legal triumph.
The celebration followed Thursday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal, which reaffirmed the earlier decision of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal that declared Okpebholo the rightful winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The rally drew a large crowd, including market women, youth groups, and party faithful, who took to the streets in solidarity and celebration.
