The Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions in Benue State has ruled in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), confirming the party’s victories in all 23 local government councils. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Abuja at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House, brings closure to a string of legal battles following the 2024 local elections.
This decision marks a major win for Governor Hyacinth Alia and the APC leadership in Benue State. It reverses earlier judgments made by local government election tribunals, which had canceled APC’s victories in nine councils: Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, Agatu, Ado, Apa, and Ohimini.
The appellate tribunal reviewed appeals filed by the APC after several tribunal rulings had nullified their wins based on claims brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties. After reviewing the petitions, the appeal panel ruled that the opposition did not provide strong enough evidence to prove the APC breached any election rules during the October 2024 polls conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
According to the appeal panel, most of the arguments raised lacked concrete proof and could not stand under legal scrutiny. It noted that the election process met the necessary legal standards, and the results announced by BSIEC were valid.
In response to the ruling, Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin Ejeh, called the verdict a “triumph of justice and democracy.” He also called on his political rivals to work together, saying, “We are extending a hand of unity. Let’s focus on building our communities and improving the lives of our people.”
