From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has announced the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the 23 local government chairmanship and 276 councillorship positions.
Announcing the results at the BSIEC’s headquarters in Makurdi, yesterday, chairman of BSIEC, Mr. Richard Tombowua, stated that the party recorded a clean sweep of the poll contested by five political parties out of the eight that indicated interest to contest the available positions.
He said the election was conducted in a peaceful manner apart from Otukpo Local Government Area where the official of the Commission was held hostage but for the quick intervention of the Police who ensured her safe return to Makurdi.
“I must state that we kept our promise of conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible Local Government election in the state.”
Reacting, state chairman of LP and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr. Ibrahim Idoko, commended BSIEC for its efforts to ensure the exercise was peaceful and credible.
Chairman of APC, Benjamin Omale, also commended BSIEC for conducting a free, fair and credible election and appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia for ensuring a level playing field for all parties.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, called for the cancellation claiming that the election was married by irregularities.
In a statement by the Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, in Makurdi, yesterday, the party vowed to explore all available legal options if the commission failed to heed its call.
“The PDP condemned and rejected in absolute totality, the travesty that unfolded yesterday, 5th October, in the name of local government elections in the state.
“The facade was characterized by numerous well documented incidents of irregularities, including the shocking non-deployment of election officials or electoral materials to polling units across the state.
“In the few areas where some semblance of the charade was orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress, (APC), led administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, evidences erupted everywhere, including media space, of ballot stuffing and mass thumb-printing of ballots.
“Needless to say that the Benue electorate, who turned up for the exercise were left waiting all day in vain at the polling units, and in the end only came away more deeply disillusioned with the state of public administration in Benue State under Governor Alia.
“PDP is deeply saddened at this brazen display of lack of integrity, not only by the Benue State Governor, but also by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) which reneged on its earlier promises to guarantee the electorate their right to exercise their voting franchise.
“Both Governor Alia and BSIEC have failed the Benue people and in so doing, violated their sworn oath to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the state.
“PDP takes the stand beside the disenfranchised people of Benue State, and expressly states before the whole world that there was no local government polls held in the state yesterday.”
The PDP said it remains committed to fighting for, and demanding for democratic processes that uphold the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability and will not waver in the pursuit of a better future for all citizens.
While the state government has hailed the conduct of the election and adjudged it credible, free and fair, senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, has described it as a sham and an insult to democracy.
Governor Alia who appreciated the good people of Benue State for their peaceful and orderly conduct, active participation and overwhelming support for the candidates of the APC, acknowledged the successful outcome of the elections.
He said the elections, which were devoid of violence, was a reflection of the maturity of the Benue people to engage in a democratic process with respect and dignity, upholding peace and unity which are critical to the progress of the state.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your active participation in the recent Local Government elections across our 23 local governments.
“Your commitment to exercising your franchise in a peaceful and civil manner is commendable and reflects the maturity of our democracy.
“The successful conduct of these elections, free from violence, is a testament to our collective resolve to uphold the values of peace and unity that are fundamental to our progress as a state. I am proud to see our citizens trooping out to make their voices heard, demonstrating that we can engage in the democratic process with respect and dignity.”
Reacting, Senator Moro dismissed the poll as a charade
The Senate minority leader said reports from polling units across his senatorial district indicate that election did not hold as election materials and officials of BSIEC were not seen anywhere except in the premises of APC leaders where ballots were thumb-printed for their candidates.
Moro expressed disappointment in Governor Alia for not standing by the truth and due process as promised during his electioneering campaign.
He said he expected the governor, as a priest, to push for a paradigm shift by doing what’s right, and not referencing and copying what was wrongly done in the past.
He said democracy was fiercely fought for, with some people paying the supreme price stating that anti-democratic forces will not be allowed to destroy the system.
Also speaking, the Chairmanship candidate, the Chairmanship Candidate of the PDP in Okpokwu local government area, Hon. Patience Akor has denounced the outcome of the LG elections in Okpokwu.
Akor who said the electoral body deliberately refused to provide essential materials, thereby disenfranchising the populace, called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure that BSIEC conducts elections in all polling units across Okpokwu’s 12 Council wards.
Akor who expressed her disappointment said “The very fabric of democracy has been undermined, as voters gathered in vain, only to be met with the absence of BSIEC officials.”
Akor declared her refusal to accept any fabricated results, stressing that genuine elections must take place.
