The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially secured all 23 local government chairmanship positions in Benue State, following a ruling by the Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House in Abuja, upheld the results of the October 2024 local government elections conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
Tribunal Rulings Overturned
Earlier, the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals had nullified APC’s victories in nine local government areas, including:
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Vandeikya
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Konshisha
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Kwande
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Ushongo
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Otukpo
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Agatu
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Ado
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Apa
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Ohimini
However, the appellate panel reversed those decisions, dismissing the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties. The panel ruled that the claims lacked merit and failed to provide sufficient evidence of non-compliance with electoral laws.
APC Celebrates, Calls for Unity
Reacting to the ruling, Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, described the verdict as a victory for justice and grassroots democracy.
“This ruling is a reaffirmation of the people’s will. We extend a hand of reconciliation to the opposition and urge them to join us in advancing development and good governance in Benue State,” Ejeh said.
Political Significance
The appeal panel’s decision solidifies the APC’s dominance in Benue State local politics, granting it full control over all 23 local councils. The development is expected to impact future state-level elections and resource allocation, with the APC now better positioned to drive its political agenda across the grassroots.
This ruling also sets a precedent in post-election litigation, highlighting the importance of concrete evidence in challenging election outcomes.
