All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates have been declared winners of the local government election held on Saturday in Benue State. This election, which took place on the 5th of October, 2024, saw a competitive atmosphere with multiple parties vying for positions in the local government.
According to reports, Richard Tombowua, Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, announced the results on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters on Naka Road. This announcement was highly anticipated by both the candidates and the electorate, as it was crucial in determining the governance at the local level for the next term.
Tombowua confirmed that the APC secured victory in all 23 chairmanship positions and 276 councillorship seats contested in the state. This clean sweep reflects the party’s significant support base and the effectiveness of its campaign strategies in the region.
The SIEC chairman listed the parties that participated in the Saturday election as follows: All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance. These parties have historically competed in the state, each bringing their unique platforms and promises to the voters.
He added that five of the eight political parties that submitted lists of candidates participated in the Saturday election. This participation indicates a healthy democratic process, where various political entities engaged with the electorate to present their agendas and candidates.
He said, “The election held yesterday across the state went off without a hitch; it was free and fair, and the returning officers have submitted all the results from the field. This level of organization and transparency is crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.”
“From the results, the All Progressives Congress won all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship positions.” This overwhelming success for the APC can be attributed to various factors, including effective grassroots mobilization and addressing local issues that resonate with the voters.
Responding to the declaration of the results, the state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and the Labour Party, Ibrahim Idoko, commended the commission for its commitment towards a hitch-free election. His acknowledgment of the commission's efforts reflects a sense of cooperative spirit among the competing parties.
Idoko, who also commended the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, for providing a level playing field for all parties in the election, stated that his party would review the outcome of the election and make its submission known. This introspection is vital for the Labour Party as they analyze the election results to strategize for future contests, ensuring that they remain competitive in the local political landscape.