April 16, (THEWILL) – The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state branch of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have rejected the judgement of the Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, which nullified the election of nine council chairmen loyal to the Austin Agada-led faction of the APC.
Addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday in Makurdi, the State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC, Dr Benjamin Omale, described the ruling as unjust and a miscarriage of justice.
He said the tribunal’s decision undermines the democratic mandate of duly elected council officials.
“As a party, we assure you that we will exhaust all constitutional and legal options available to seek redress. Under our current leadership, the APC adhered strictly to all guidelines issued by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) and complied fully with the Local Government Election Laws as amended by the Benue State House of Assembly,” Omale stated.
He further alleged that the tribunal granted reliefs to candidates who were not even cleared by BSIEC to contest in the elections, insisting that the judgement cannot stand the test of time.
Omale expressed confidence in the appellate process and revealed that the party’s legal team had already begun filing appeals before the Benue State Local Government Election Petitions Panel.
He also urged the affected council chairmen to remain focused on their duties, prioritise the welfare of their people, and align their development efforts with the agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia, whose administration, he noted, is transforming rural communities across the state.
Also speaking, the State ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Orwough, expressed shock at the tribunal’s verdict. He reassured the affected council bosses that every legal step would be taken to overturn the ruling.
“Justice may be delayed but it will not be denied. We urge our members to remain calm as we pursue appropriate legal remedies,” Orwough said.
