APC Clinches Victory in all 23 Benue LG Election Petitions at Appeal Tribunal

The Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions in Benue State, sitting at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House in Abuja, has affirmed the election of all 23 local government chairmen elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant victory for Governor Hyacinth Alia and the ruling party.

In its judgment delivered on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the appellate panel overturned earlier rulings by the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals, which had annulled APC’s victories in nine local government areas. These areas included Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, Agatu, Ado, Apa, and Ohimini, following the October 2024 local government elections organized by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

The panel dismissed the petitions—largely filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties—citing a lack of merit and failure to provide convincing evidence of non-compliance with electoral laws.

Following the ruling, Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin Ejeh, described the judgment as a win for democracy and justice. He called for unity and reconciliation, inviting opposition members to collaborate with the elected officials in advancing development at the grassroots level.