The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal has nullified the elections of three local government chairmen over widespread electoral irregularities and disregard for due process.
The affected council bosses include Adole O.J Gabriel of Ohimini LGA, Adams Ochega Ogwola of Apa LGA, and Dennis Guda of Vandekiya LGA.
Their sackings followed separate petitions filed by opposition candidates who challenged the credibility of the elections conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
In its judgment delivered in Abuja, the tribunal upheld the claims of the petitioners, citing massive irregularities, lack of transparency, and non-compliance with established electoral guidelines.
The tribunal declared the results invalid and ordered the immediate removal of the affected chairmen.
In the case of Vandekiya LGA, the tribunal also criticized the BSIEC for interfering in internal party matters and described the commission as a “meddlesome interloper.”
It affirmed that only candidates produced under the authentic leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Austin Agada were valid.
Furthermore, the tribunal directed Governor Hyacinth Alia to swear in the rightful chairman within 14 days.
Failure to comply, it warned, would result in the Chief Judge of Benue State appointing a High Court judge to perform the swearing-in.
The tribunal awarded N2 million in costs against BSIEC and the second respondent for their roles in the unlawful actions surrounding the Vandekiya LGA election.
