On Saturday, 2025, the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal convened in Abuja confirmed the triumph of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the elections for the Kwande Local Government Area within Benue State.
The committee led by Chief Justice Ityonyiman rejected the plea submitted by theLabour Party’s nominee who contested the announcement of Vitalis Neji from the APC as the officially elected chairperson in the September 2024 elections.
Offering what was termed a "well-reasoned decision," Justice Ityonyiman determined that the petition lacked substance and did not present any valid reasons for overturning the outcomes certified by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).
The tribunal confirmed that the election took place largely in accordance with the law, and supported Neji’s win as legitimate and legal.
This decision follows an influx of scandals and increased public oversight regarding how the Benue State Election Petition Tribunal has been addressing local electoral disagreements.
The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal has found itself at the center of numerous disputes and legal battles after the local government elections held on October 5, 2024.
Benue LG election: Tribunal confirms APC win in Kwande, rejects Labour Party’s appeal