The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal has nullified the elections of three local government chairmen, Adole O.J Gabriel (Ohimini LGA), Adams Ochega Ogwola (Apa LGA), and Dennis Guda (Vandekiya LGA), over widespread electoral irregularities and procedural violations.
The tribunal’s decision followed petitions filed by opposition candidates who contested the integrity of the elections conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
Delivering its judgment in Abuja, the tribunal cited massive irregularities, lack of transparency, and non-compliance with electoral guidelines. It ordered the immediate removal of the affected chairmen and criticized BSIEC’s interference in internal party affairs, particularly in Vandekiya LGA, describing the commission as a “meddlesome interloper.”
The tribunal affirmed that only candidates presented by the authentic leadership of the APC, led by Austin Agada, were valid.
It directed Governor Hyacinth Alia to swear in the rightful chairmen within 14 days, warning that failure to do so would empower the Chief Judge of Benue State to appoint a judge for the task.
The tribunal also imposed a ₦2 million cost against BSIEC and the second respondent for their roles in the electoral misconduct.
