The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a sweeping legal victory in Benue State, as the Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions upheld the party’s wins in all 23 local government areas.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, by the appellate tribunal sitting at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House in Abuja, affirms the election of all 23 APC local government chairmen, strengthening the political grip of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the ruling party in Benue.
Appeal Tribunal Overturns Tribunal Rulings
The appellate panel reversed earlier decisions by the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunals, which had nullified APC victories in nine local councils following the controversial October 2024 LG polls conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
The affected LGAs included:
- Vandeikya
- Konshisha
- Kwande
- Ushongo
- Otukpo
- Agatu
- Ado
- Apa
- Ohimini
The opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had challenged the APC’s win on alleged irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. However, the Appeal Tribunal dismissed all petitions, citing a lack of merit and insufficient evidence.
APC Celebrates Victory, Calls for Unity
Reacting to the ruling, Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, described the judgment as a “victory for justice, democracy, and the will of the people.”
He called on opposition leaders to set aside political differences and work with the elected chairmen to deliver grassroots development and good governance across Benue.
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“We must now put politics behind us and unite for the progress of our communities,” Ejeh stated.
What This Means for Benue Politics
The appellate decision significantly boosts the Hyacinth Alia-led APC administration, consolidating its control at both the state and local levels. It also marks a major setback for the PDP in Benue, which had hoped to reclaim key LGAs through the courts.
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