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In a sweeping judicial decision, the Benue State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal has firmly upheld the election of all council chairmen and councillors across the state, effectively quashing all pending petitions and appeals against their victory in the October 5, 2024 polls.

The three-man appeal panel—comprising Justices D.M. Igyuse, M. Ugar, and I. Mohammed—delivered coordinated judgments across Benue’s three senatorial zones, dismissing claims brought primarily by aggrieved aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who alleged wrongful exclusion from the elections.

Justice Michael Ugar, ruling for Zone A, stated unequivocally that the petitioners “failed to substantiate valid nominations” and therefore could not establish claims of exclusion, dismissing the appeal as lacking merit.

Zone B saw Justice I. Mohammed reinforce the tribunal’s limited jurisdiction, stating that issues of party nomination fall squarely within internal political party processes, not the purview of election tribunals. “We sit to do justice and not supervise academic issues,” he ruled, affirming the trial court’s earlier decision.

Zone C’s verdict, delivered by the Tribunal Chairman Justice Dennis Igyuse, echoed similar sentiments, calling the petitions a “reckless display of academic prowess without a destination.” He upheld the October elections in their entirety, confirming all declared winners.

Also dismissed were three petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an earlier one brought by the Labour Party, sealing a clean sweep for the incumbents.

Reacting to the rulings, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mohammed Ndarani, who led the legal team for the Benue State Government and electoral body BSIEC, praised the judgments as “infallible” and a “true reflection of the law.” He lauded Justices Igyuse, Ugar, and Mohammed as “heroes of the process” for their firm commitment to justice.

Ndarani extended congratulations to all council chairmen and councillors for their “deserved victories,” urging them to stay committed to people-oriented governance. He also commended the lawyers involved for their diligence and dedication throughout the process.

With all appeals laid to rest, the October 5, 2024, local government election results now stand validated and undisputed.

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