The Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions for Benue State has delivered a sweeping victory to the All Progressives Congress (APC), upholding the elections of all 23 local government chairmen affiliated with the party. The landmark judgment was pronounced on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House in Abuja.

This decisive ruling overturned previous decisions by the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals, which had nullified APC victories in nine local councils following the October 2024 elections conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

Affected Local Governments

The local government areas previously affected by the tribunal's nullification included Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, Agatu, Ado, Apa, and Ohimini. However, the appellate panel dismissed all petitions filed primarily by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition groups.

In its ruling, the Appeal Panel cited "lack of merit and insufficient evidence of non-compliance with electoral laws" as grounds for dismissing the opposition's claims, effectively cementing Governor Hyacinth Alia's political influence across the state.

Reactions to the Judgment

Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, described the decision as "a triumph of justice and democracy." He extended an olive branch to opposition parties, calling for collaboration in delivering good governance and development initiatives at the grassroots level.

The ruling represents a significant political victory for Governor Alia and the APC in Benue State, consolidating the party's control over local government administration throughout the state. Political analysts suggest this outcome will strengthen the governor's position in implementing his development agenda at the grassroots level.

As of press time, the PDP and other opposition parties had not issued official statements regarding their next steps following this comprehensive defeat at the appellate level.