Tribunal sacks 3 LG chairmen over electoral irregularities

The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal has nullified the elections of three council chairmen over widespread irregularities and blatant disregard for electoral guidelines during the recent local polls.

Those affected by the tribunal’s ruling are Adole O.J Gabriel of Ohimini LGA, Adams Ochega Ogwola of Apa LGA, and Dennis Guda of Vandekiya LGA. Their elections were challenged by opposition candidates who accused the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) of overseeing a deeply flawed and compromised process.

Delivering judgment in Abuja, the tribunal upheld the petitions, describing the elections as marred by massive irregularities, lack of transparency, and non-compliance with due process. It declared the poll results null and void, ordering the immediate removal of the three embattled chairmen from office.

In a particularly scathing verdict concerning Vandekiya LGA, the tribunal lambasted BSIEC for unlawfully meddling in the internal affairs of political parties. It described the commission as a “meddlesome interloper,” faulting its attempt to override the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The panel affirmed that only candidates nominated under the authentic leadership of the APC led by Austin Agada were valid, and any imposition otherwise was unconstitutional.

The tribunal further directed Governor Hyacinth Alia to swear in the rightful winner within 14 days of the ruling. Failure to comply, it warned, would compel the Chief Judge of Benue State to appoint a High Court judge to administer the oath of office.

As part of its ruling, the tribunal also awarded N2 million in costs against BSIEC and the second respondent in the Vandekiya LGA case for their roles in the illegality.