The All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State chapter, under the leadership of Comrade Austin Agada, on Tuesday welcomed the sacking of nine local government council chairmen.
In a statement by Daniel Ihomun, State Publicity Secretary of the APC, the party congratulated their replacement confirmed as duly elected by the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal.
The Agada-led APC expressed happiness in the return of Bernard Chia (Vandeikya), Engineer Solomon Tarka(Konshisha), Barriater Philip Atom (Kwande), Benjamin Tyopaase (Ushongo), Engineer Austin Eleho(Otukpo), Elias Arugwu Ogbu(Ado), Godwin Ajeh Ogah(Ohimini ), Barrister Napoleon Otache (Agatu) and John Elvis Ejeh (Apa), who have been confirmed by the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal as the duly elected chairmen.
“This affirmation is a testament to the will of the people and the unwavering dedication of our candidates to democratic principles. The party commends the Judiciary for delivering a sound and courageous judgment that upholds justice and the integrity of the electoral process.
“We also express our profound gratitude to the Leader of our great party APC in Benue State and North Central Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator George Akume Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), for his exemplary leadership, guidance, and unwavering support to the party and its members at all levels.
“To the resilient members of our APC family in Benue State, we appreciate your steadfast faith in the Comrade Austin Agada-led executive committee. Your loyalty, sacrifice, and commitment continue to drive the strength and unity of our party.
“While we celebrate the victories secured, we remain optimistic that the petitions that did not succeed at the Tribunal level will receive favorable consideration at the Appeal Tribunal, which is set to commence sitting soon,” the statement added.
NewsQuest reports that the tribunal in its ruling, nullified elections in Ohimini, Apa, and Ado LGAs, removing chairmen Adam Hon Adole O.J Gabriel, Adams Ochega Ogwola, and Sunny Oche, respectively. While Elias Ogbu (Ado) and Napoleon Otache (Agatu) were declared winners in their stead.
The Tribunal rulings followed petitions alleging electoral irregularities.
Meanwhile, the Benue State APC caretaker chairman, Benjamin Omale has criticized the sacking of nine of the council chairmen, describing it as a ‘miscarriage of justice’.
He expressed confidence in overturning the rulings at the Appeal Court, condemning alleged plans by some stakeholders opposed to the government of Father Hyacinth Alia to manipulate the process.
Our correspondent gathered that the Tribunal dismissed over 30 petitions in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo LGAs, affirming the victories of the incumbent APC chairmen. The petitions were rejected as a result of the lack of locus standi, pre-election issues, and procedural non-compliance.
Governor Alia has since directed residents of the state and party supporters to desist from congregating at Tribunal venues, insisting on compliance with legal processes.
The Tribunal rulings mark ongoing legal disputes over the credibility of Benue’s local council elections, with the outcomes split between opposition-backed nullifications and APC-affirmed victories.
