Appeal Tribunal Upholds APC Victories In All 23 Benue Lgas

The Appeal Panel on Local Government Election Petitions for Benue State, sitting at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House in Abuja, has upheld the election victories of all 23 local government chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, reversed earlier decisions by the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals, which had annulled APC wins in nine local government areas following the October 2024 elections conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

The affected LGAs in the initial tribunal rulings included: Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, Agatu, Ado, Apa, and Ohimini.

However, the appeal panel dismissed the petitions — mainly filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties — citing a lack of merit and insufficient evidence to support claims of electoral irregularities or non-compliance with the law.

Reacting to the judgment, Agatu Local Government Chairman Melvin Ejeh described the ruling as a victory for justice and democracy. He called on the opposition to set aside political differences and collaborate with elected leaders to promote good governance and grassroots development.