The Benue State Local Government Election Appeals Panel convened on Wednesday at the NBA House in Abuja to address numerous appeals stemming from recent local government election petition tribunal decisions.

Presided over by Honorable Justice D.E. Gyuse, the panel acknowledged receiving hundreds of appeals related to the local government elections. In response to this high volume, the panel announced a strategic procedural adjustment to enhance efficiency.

Rather than entertaining individual councillor petitions separately, the panel has decided to group appeals according to local government areas. This approach aims to streamline the hearing process and ensure more effective case management.

The panel has scheduled Monday, May 26, 2025, as the date for all parties to reconvene. All appellants and respondents are required to have fully prepared and exchanged the necessary documentation ahead of this hearing date.

Justice Gyuse emphasized that on the scheduled date, all parties must be ready to present and adopt their arguments without exception, indicating the panel's intention to proceed expeditiously with the appeals process.

In a related development, the panel also heard the Labour Party's appeal concerning the chairmanship of Kwande Local Government Area. However, judgment in this particular case has been reserved and will be communicated to the concerned parties at a later date.

The appeals process follows contentious local government elections in Benue State, with multiple parties challenging the outcomes across various constituencies. The panel's decisions are expected to have significant implications for local governance in the affected areas.